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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Kevin Boyle |
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Boyle issues warning about Property Tax Rent/Rebate solicitation
HARRISBURG, May 11 – State Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Phila., is advising senior citizens to discard a solicitation offering to complete the application for the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for a $39 fee.
The solicitation involves a letter asking residents to fill out an enclosed Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application and return it with a $39 fee to a Harrisburg address.
"The state does not charge a fee to enroll in the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, so this communication is not from a state agency," Boyle said. "My offices can assist those who need help applying for a property tax or rent rebate for free."
Boyle said several seniors brought to his attention a mailing from a non-government agency identifying itself as the Senior Advisory Center. The company offers to fill out senior citizens' Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms, and asks for income and homeownership information, as well as a $39 processing fee.
Boyle said people with questions can call one of his offices at 215-331-2600 for the office located at 7518 Frankford Ave. or 215-695-1016 for the office located at 7801-A Hasbrook Ave.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides state rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2011 to eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older; widows and widowers 50 or older; and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security, Supplemental Security or federal Railroad Retirement Tier I income is excluded.
The maximum standard rebate is $650. The deadline to apply is June 30.
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