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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Jesse White |
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TO: Editor, PA Focus
FROM: State Rep. Jesse White, D-Washington/Allegheny/Beaver
RE: Government Tax Rebates
Government tax rebates: What’s the real deal?
One of the great things about having full-time offices in my legislative district is the personal access we provide to people. The ability for people to just walk in off the street and get information about programs and services that can help them is one of the most valuable tools that I can provide to my constituents.
One result of such accessibility is that people come to us for any kind of government-related problem, be it municipal, county, state or federal. For many people, the lines of distinction are blurry if not non-existent, and that’s fine. Because I am a state representative, my staff and I are limited by law in what we can handle personally, but we try to do everything we can to point people in the right direction when they ask us about things that are not state-related, and we follow up to make sure their concern has been addressed.
Currently, my office is getting a lot of questions about the various government rebates and payments that people have heard about.
To clear up any confusion, there are two programs that are available right now, one state and one federal. There is also one other proposed program that has not yet become law. Here’s the breakdown:
At the state level, the Department of Revenue offers property taxes or rent rebates of up to $650 based on the property tax or rent paid the previous year. To qualify, applicants must be 65 or older, 50 or older and widowed, or 18 or older and permanently disabled. Homeowners must have a household income of less than $35,000; renters must have a household income of less than $15,000. Homeowners and renters may count only half of their Social Security or federal railroad retirement benefits as income when applying. You can contact my offices to obtain a Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application and for help with its completion.
At the federal level, the president and Congress recently announced an Economic Growth Agreement that will provide a stimulus payment of up to $600 ($1,200 dollars for couples) to most households, along with $300 per eligible child. These payments will be sent in may. To receive this rebate, you must file a federal tax return with the IRS by April 15, even if you are not normally required to do so. The 1040A federal tax return forms are available in my office, though my staff and I are not able to assist with completion of federal tax forms.
Finally, Gov. Ed Rendell recently proposed rebates of up to $400 for lower-income families in Pennsylvania as part of a state economic stimulus plan. These proposed rebates are not law, and may not become law. If the General Assembly passes this plan, however, single- and two-parent families that meet certain income guidelines would be eligible for these rebates. Again, these state economic stimulus rebates are, at this point, only a proposal.
There is nothing more frustrating to me than knowing that programs are available to help people but aren't utilized because people are confused about whether they qualify or are unsure of where to get information. If you need more information on any of these programs and proposals, or have questions about what you may qualify for, please stop in to one of my local offices.
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