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Guest column |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Matthew H. Smith
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Smith reminds residents that Property Tax/Rent Rebate application deadline extended
As we near the end of the year, I want to remind residents that the deadline is approaching for a program that can help some of our senior citizens and other residents.
Eligible homeowners and renters have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The deadline for the program initially was June 30, but it was extended until the end of the year so that more seniors would have the opportunity to apply and potentially receive a rebate.
The program provides senior citizens and other qualifying residents state rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2008. The maximum rebate a homeowner or renter can receive is $650. Seniors living in Allegheny County with incomes under $30,000 will receive an additional 50 percent rebate if their property taxes for 2008 were at least 15 percent of their income. The modification is part of the Property Tax Relief Act of 2005 and will be automatically computed by the Department of Revenue.
Rebates are available to income-eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people 18 or older with a permanent disability. The income limit for these Pennsylvanians is $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, excluding half of Social Security or federal railroad retirement income.
In these difficult economic times, even the smallest rebate could be a tremendous help for seniors in our area. I want to make sure that everyone eligible has the information and assistance in filing. My office staff is here to help.
If you can't personally benefit from the program, you may know others who can. If that's the case, please share this information with them.
For any assistance or questions regarding the program, please contact my office at 412-571-2169 or via my Web site at www.pahouse.com/msmith.
Also, information and online applications can be found by visiting www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com. My staff will be happy to assist you in getting a much needed rebate.
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