Kasunic Announces Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extension
HARRISBURG, June 5, 2009 - Senator Richard A. Kasunic today announced that the deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for eligible older adults and residents with disabilities has been extended from June 30 to December 31.
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Kasunic supported a 2006 program expansion that increased the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) for homeowners and raises the maximum standard rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650.
“It’s important for our older residents, as well as those who are disabled, to take advantage of this program,” Kasunic said. “Every year there are too many people who would qualify for benefits, but do not apply. I urge seniors to make sure they get their application in.
The program expansion also provides for supplemental property tax rebates of up to $325 to homeowners who pay more than 15 percent of income on property taxes. The Revenue Department automatically calculates the supplemental rebates.
As of May 29, the Revenue Department had received more than 517,000 rebate applications. About 578,000 older Pennsylvanians and residents with disabilities are expected to benefit from the program this year, as compared to 310,000 before the 2006 program expansion.
“It’s important that in hard times like this we make sure that elderly and disabled residents are taken care of, and programs like this are designed to do just that,” Kasunic said.
As specified by law, rebates will begin to be distributed on July 1.
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 Department of Revenue district offices (listed in the government section of telephone directories), local Area Agencies on Aging, and senior centers.
Claimants who already applied for Property Tax/Rent Rebates may check the status of their claim online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-PATAXES.
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CONTACT: CHARLES TOCCI
PHONE: (717) 787-5166 |
