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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
REP Property Tax and Rent Rebates: Last Chance for Romance
We all want property tax relief. There may not be a single issue that my constituents generally agree on more than the fact that most, if not all of us, are paying too much in taxes. And while the primary property tax relief from the slots money will not hit everyone’s pockets until next year, there is some relief available now for those who qualify.
The Pennsylvania Property Tax or Rent Rebate Program is available for residents age 65 or older, widows or widowers age 50 and older and people with permanent disabilities age 18 and over. This program is a simple rebate for both homeowners and renters that can go up to $650 based on your income eligibility.
In terms of income, you are eligible as long as you made less than $35,000 as a homeowner and less than $15,000.00 as a renter. If you receive Social Security, you only have to count half of the benefits you received as income for the year, which can make a big difference. It is important to note that we are talking about your income for 2006, not the current year. The application process is similar to filing taxes, so you file this year based on last year’s income.
If you filled out an application (known as the PA-1000) earlier this year, you will need to wait until next year to apply. If you think you might qualify but aren’t sure, the best thing would be to stop in at one of my district offices so we can walk you through the process. We will need some information from you to process your application.
We will need proof of income, which includes 10-99 forms, official wage statement forms, official interest/dividend income statements from the bank, etc. The income and tax statements must be from 2006. For homeowners, we need proof of paid taxes, including local, county, and school tax receipts. We will also need proof of age, such as a driver’s license or other identification card.
The deadline to apply is December 31, 2007, so you’re running out of time. To help make things easier, I will be keeping my offices open for extended hours to help people with their applications. My Cecil Township office will be open on Monday, Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., my Burgettstown office will be open on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and my Canton Township office will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If you haven’t filed for your Property Tax or Rent Rebate yet, please don’t miss out on the opportunity to get the relief you are entitled to. If you have any questions, please call my office at 724-746-3677.
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