Many Pennsylvanians will start the New Year with a little extra money in their pockets, but that’s only if they apply for a tax rebate rebate.
The Department of Revenue is encouraging eligible adults to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program before the deadline on Dec. 31.
Department spokeswoman Maia Warren said the holidays are a great time to remind older friends and relatives to apply.
“The property tax and rent rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widow and widowers 50 years and older, people with disabilities age 18 years and older,” Warren said.
Eligible Pennsylvanians can receive a standard rebate up to $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can increase that amount to $975.
Almost 574,000 homeowners and renters received rebates totaling $272.3 million as of mid-November -- more than 598,000 received more than $283 million last year.
“There is an income limit, the income limit is $35,000 a year for home owners and $15,000 annually for renters and half of social security income is excluded,” Warren said.
Pennsylvanians have received $5.4 billion in property tax and rent rebates since the program was initiated.
“The program started in 1971, and basically it started out as a way, again, to assist individuals who needed relief from property taxes and rent rebates, the program later expanded where a portion of the rebate program was being profited through revenue slots and gaming,” Warren said.
The rebates are funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery.
Those eligible can apply for the rebates for free at hundreds of locations across the state including the Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.
The applications must be postmarked by Dec. 31.
