Philadelphia raises taxes every year in part because they are terrible at collecting from deadbeats who don’t bother to pay. So, the burden gets ever greater for honest people who actually are willing to contribute their fair share. This PlanPhilly story about the city’s failure to move on Sheriff sales for delinquent properties despite promises made two years ago is illustrative of the mess we’re in. Here’s your takeaway:
If the city continues to offer only 202 new properties a month at sheriff sale, it would take 45 years to bring each tax delinquent parcel to the auction block, and many more years if new delinquents continue to be added to the rolls.
So, everyone else, get your checkbooks out. Or don’t. Chances are no one will notice.
