Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended

Residents have until December 31 to file for up to $650

A recent deadline extension gives eligible local residents until the end of the year to file for up to $650 from the state's newly expanded Property Tax and Rent Rebate program, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with permanent disabilities age 18 and older who meet the Social Security disability requirements. The deadline to apply for a rebate was recently extended to Dec. 31, 2007

"Providing Pennsylvania's senior citizens with property tax relief has been one of my top priorities. And with the cost of living on the rise, a new sense of urgency prompted the legislature to double the size of the program last year," said Senator Robbins. "Property taxes and rent are among the two biggest expenses for most families. This important program is one way that qualifying senior citizens can recoup some of their money."

The new law increases the eligible income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 for homeowners (excluding one-half of Social Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits) and boosts the maximum rebate from $500 to $650.

The expanded household income limits and rebate amounts are:

$0 to $8,000 -- $650 rebate
$8,001 to $15,000 -- $500 rebate
$15,001 to $18,000 -- $300 rebate
$18,001 to $35,000 -- $250 rebate

Applications and information can be obtained through the state Department of Revenue's website, www.revenue.state.pa.us, or by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190. Claimants are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information for their claims to be processed accurately and quickly.

To check on the receipt and status of a claim, call the department's automated FACT and Information Line at 1-888-PATAXES (1-888-728-2937). Touch-tone telephone service is required. Callers will need their Social Security Number and the amount of their rebate. People can also call 1-888-222-9190 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for help.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322