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GUEST COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Gabrielle A. Prutisto |
State Rep. Joseph Brennan |
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May 9, 2007
Time is ticking to take advantage of
Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
By: Rep. Joseph Brennan
Important changes to Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program mean more people will qualify for property tax and rent rebates this year, but the deadline to apply is June 30.
The income eligibility limit for qualifying homeowners has more than doubled to $35,000 for rebates on property taxes paid in 2006. The income eligibility limit for renters remains $15,000, but the maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters has been increased from $500 to $650. Applicants should remember that they only have to count half of their Social Security or federal railroad retirement benefits as income whey applying.
This program will help hundreds of thousands of older Pennsylvanians receive the property tax and rent relief they deserve. Almost 150,000 seniors will have their property tax burden completely eliminated and an additional 400,000 will obtain some help in paying their property taxes or rental costs.
Other eligibility requirements for the program remain the same: applicants must be senior citizens 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older, or residents 18 or older with a permanent disability.
I’ve included a chart below, which shows the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program payments based on eligibility.
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Annual Income |
Homeowners |
Renters |
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$0 - $8,000 |
$650 |
$650 |
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$8,001- $15,000 |
$500 |
$500 |
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$15,001- $18,000 |
$300 |
n/a |
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$18,001- $35,000 |
$250 |
n/a |
Again, the deadline to apply is June 30.
If you need an application, or help filling out the paperwork, please call my constituent service office at 610-882-1510.
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