With Deadline Approacing, 112,000 PA Residents Have Yet to Apply.

Eligible seniors and disabled residents only have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, to receive rebates of up to $975 on property taxes or rent paid in 2008.

An estimated 112,000 Pennsylvanians qualify for the program, but have yet to apply.

“We do not want anyone who qualifies to miss out on receiving the help they need, especially during these difficult economic times,” said Revenue Secretary Stephen H. Stetler.  “As families and friends gather this holiday season, we encourage Pennsylvanians to talk about the program and explore the criteria to see if loved ones could benefit from this program.”

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.  A 2006 program expansion increased the income limit for homeowners from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) and raised the maximum standard rebate for homeowners and renters from $500 to $650. The income limit for renters is $15,000.

The program expansion also provides for supplemental property tax rebates of up to $325 – on top of the standard rebates – to homeowners in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton; and to those in other parts of the state who pay more than 15 percent of income on property taxes. The Revenue Department automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and information are available online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com and by calling 1-888-222-9190.  Forms and assistance also are available at Revenue district offices (listed in the blue pages of local telephone directories), local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. 

Requests for forms by mail must be submitted by phone or online by Tuesday, Dec. 15, to allow sufficient time for mailing.  Forms are available for downloaded from the Web site until Dec. 31.  

Applications must be postmarked by Thursday, Dec. 31, in order to be considered.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is one of five programs supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery.  Since the program’s 1971 inception, seniors and adults with disabilities have received $4.2 billion worth of property tax and rent rebates. The expanded portion of the rebate program is being paid for with revenue from slots gaming.