A new Philadelphia law now allows victims of deed fraud to recover some of their financial losses. Previously, only the person who paid the Realty Transfer Tax — sometimes the criminal who committed the fraud — could request a refund. This left victims unable to recover that money even after proving the deed was fake and regaining their property.

Under the new law, homeowners who win their deed‑fraud cases in court can now request a refund of the Realty Transfer Tax paid on the fraudulent transaction. To qualify, the victim must have a court order voiding the fake deed and stating that the Department of Revenue should issue the refund. The refund covers the portion of the tax kept by the City.

To request the refund, victims must send a certified copy of the court order and a refund petition form to the City’s Department of Revenue within three years. Processing takes about six to ten weeks.

People who believe they might be victims of deed fraud should report it immediately, file a police report, seek legal assistance, and sign up for Fraud Guard alerts. After obtaining a court order confirming the fraud, they can apply for the tax refund.

Fill out a refund petition form. Send both documents to the Department of Revenue

Mail your petition to: City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue. P.O. Box 1137

Philadelphia, PA 19102.

For questions, email refund.unit@phila.gov or call (215) 686-6574.

If you think someone has stolen your property through deed fraud: Reportit immediately. File a fraud report online or call (215) 686-2290.

Protect yourself. Sign up for Fraud Guard to get email alerts if documents are recorded with your name.

For more information: Department of Records at (215) 686-2290. Department of Revenue at (215) 686-6574.