HARRISBURG (March 16, 2021) – Senator Michele Brooks reminds income-eligible older Pennsylvanians that Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications are available at her district offices, for taxes paid in 2020. Sen. Brooks’ staff members are also available to help complete the forms.
The state’s popular Property Tax/ Rent Rebate program is open to state residents age 65 or older; widows and widowers age 50 or older; and those age 18 and over who are 100 percent disabled. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners, and $15,000 annually for renters, with only half of Social Security income included.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but certain supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can increase the rebate amount to $975.
Residents needing assistance will be required to supply their 1099s for Social Security, pensions, wages, interest and dividends. Those owning property must provide copies of their 2020 real estate tax bills that have been marked “paid” by their tax collector. Renters must have a Rent Certificate signed by their landlord.
The deadline for filing an application is June 30, 2021. The Department of Revenue will begin mailing and depositing rebates on July 1.
Application forms and assistance are available at no cost in Senator Brooks’ district offices and also from the Department of Revenue’s district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, and senior centers. Applications are also available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling toll-free (888) 222-9190.
Sen. Brooks’ district offices are conveniently located at these sites:
Edinboro
99 Erie Street, Suite 1
Edinboro, PA 16412
Phone (814) 734-2783
Vernon Township
16678 McMath Avenue
Meadville, PA 16335
(814) 337-8132
Greenville
100 Hadley Road, Suite 9
Greenville, PA 16125
(724) 588-8911
Sen. Brooks reminds residents that filing a state Property Tax/Rent Rebate form is free.
“Please do not fall victim to companies charging a fee to submit the forms for you,” Sen. Brooks said. “There is no fee to apply, so please be cautious.”
If you provide your phone number on your Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form, you will receive an automated call from the Department of Revenue when your claim posts to the department’s processing system, and another automated call when your claim is approved.
The easiest way to check the status of your rebate is to visit the dedicated website that the Department of Revenue maintains, at doreservices.state.pa.us. You can also call an automated toll-free number, 1-888-PATAXES (728-2937). To check on the status of your claim, you will need your:
- Social Security number
- Claim year
- Date of birth
A new online filing tool also makes it easier to file applications for the program. The new MyPATH system allows applicants to complete applications online, track the status of their claim and benefit from faster processing and direct deposit options, using www.mypath.pa.gov/_/.
Applicants can also still file by mail.
Since the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program was created in 1971, older adults, widows and widowers, and those with disabilities have received more than $6.8 billion in property tax and rent relief. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and gaming revenue.
Contact: Diane McNaughton (717) 787-1322 dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov