HARRISBURG, December 12, 2017 – Sen. Wayne D. Fontana is urging eligible senior citizens to make sure they file their state property tax/rent rebate application by the Jan. 2 deadline.
“If you are a senior citizen, related to a senior or friends with a senior, please remind them to make sure they get their application in on time,” Fontana said. “A rebate check can be a great help to people on fixed incomes.”
Fontana said the maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. He added that applications and free filing assistance are available at Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and his local district offices.
People can obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling 1-888-222-9190. It’s free to apply for a rebate, and free filing help is available.
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and
widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Fontana said seniors should keep in mind that only half of Social Security income is counted in determining eligibility.
Since the program’s inception in 1971, more than $6.7 billion has been paid to qualified applicants through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The program is funded by the state lottery and revenue from slots gaming.
Those who already applied for rebates may check the status of claims online at www.revenue.pa.gov or by calling 1-888-PATAXES.
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