QUESTION: Is it too late to file for rebates through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program? What are the benefits and how can I tell if I am eligible to receive a rebate?
ANSWER: The answer to your first question is simple. No, it is not too late to file for a property tax rebate.
In fact, the deadline to file for the state’s Property/Tax Rent Rebate program was recently extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2007. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, an estimated 40,000 additional Pennsylvanians will apply for benefits.
Almost all of us have heard the horror stories of senior citizens who were forced to choose between paying for their prescription medications or paying their property tax bill. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program was developed to provide these and other eligible Pennsylvanians with much-needed property tax relief.
Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2006. The 2006 Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Property Tax/Rent Rebate report shows that more than 460,000 claims have been filed for this year’s rebates.
The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.
Also, eligibility income limits for homeowners and renters recently rose to the following levels:
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$0 and $8,000, $650 rebate (Homeowners and renters)
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$8,001 to $15,000, $500 rebate (Homeowners and renters)
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$15,001 to $18,000, $300 rebate (Homeowners only)
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$18,001 to $35,000, $250 rebate (Homeowners only)
Residents may exclude 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits.
The Department of Revenue encourages residents to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications are available at my district offices located at:
You can also access the Property Tax/Rent Rebate application by visiting my Web site at RepSonney.com.
As always, if you have any questions about this or another state government-related issue, please feel free to contact one of my district offices. We are here to help in any way we can.
If you have a question you would like Rep. Sonney to address in an upcoming column, please send it to:
Rep. Curt Sonney
Room 149-B East Wing
P.O. Box 202004
Harrisburg, Pa 17120-2004
Rep. Curt Sonney
4th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 783-9087
(814) 664-9126