Thousands Haven't Filed for Property Tax/Rent Rebate

Residents have until December 31 to apply for up to $650

Thousands of eligible local residents have yet to file for up to $650 in property tax or rent rebates, according to state Senator Pat Browne (R-16). The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with permanent disabilities age 18 and older who meet the Social Security disability requirements. The deadline to apply for a rebate was recently extended to Dec. 31, 2007

"Providing Pennsylvania's senior citizens with property tax relief has been one of my top priorities. And with the cost of living on the rise, a new sense of urgency prompted the legislature to double the size of the program last year," said Senator Browne, whose district includes parts of Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton Counties. "Property taxes and rent are among the largest expenses for most families. This important program is one way that qualifying senior citizens can recoup some of their money."

The Department of Revenue recently notified Senator Browne that thousands of residents living in the counties he represents had not filed for the rebates as of the end of October.

County	Estimated people eligible for rebates1	Applications received	Estimated number of those who have not filed
Lehigh	17,818	13,779	4,039
Monroe	5,874	4,334	1,540
Northampton	15,708	12,030	3,678

1 PA Department of Revenue calculations based on US Census 2000 data

A new law, supported by Senator Browne, increased the eligible income limit to $35,000 for homeowners, excluding one-half of Social Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits, and boosted the maximum rebate from $500 to $650.

The expanded household income limits and rebate amounts are:

$0 to $8,000 -- $650 rebate
$8,001 to $15,000 -- $500 rebate
$15,001 to $18,000 -- $300 rebate
$18,001 to $35,000 -- $250 rebate

Applications and information can be obtained through any of Senator Browne’s District Offices: Allentown (801 Hamilton Street – 610-821-8468), Harrisburg (459 Main Capitol – 717-787-1349), Western Lehigh County (at the Upper Macungie Township Building, 8330 Schantz Road – 610-366-2327), East Allentown (1601 Union Boulevard – Mondays and Tuesdays – 610-821-6813), East Allen Township (at the East Allen Township Building, 5330 Nor-Bath Boulevard – 610-502-1567) and in Monroe County (Routes 115 & 209 – 570-402-1499).

Applications are also available by visiting the state Department of Revenue’s website, www.revenue.state.pa.us, or by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190. Claimants are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information for their claims to be processed accurately and quickly.

To check on the receipt and status of a claim, call the department's automated FACT and Information Line at 1-888-PATAXES (1-888-728-2937). Touch-tone telephone service is required. Callers will need their Social Security Number and the amount of their rebate. People can also call 1-888-222-9190 between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. for help.

Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 821-8468