How to Apply for a Pennsylvania Property Tax Refund or Rent Refund Spotlight PA

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Harrisburg — Pennsylvania’s Rent and Property Tax Refund Program — which helps seniors and residents with disabilities offset rising housing costs — will receive a one-time grant this year as part of the state budget. Received a significant increase.

But as the Spotlight PA reported in a new study, Fewer and fewer people get rent and property tax refunds each yearlargely because state legislators have not raised the income limit to qualify for more than 15 years.

Still, many potential beneficiaries miss out on the program because they don’t know about it. State officials estimate that about one-third of eligible Pennsylvanians do not apply each year.

Spotlight PA has compiled some common questions about how the rent and property tax refund program works, who is eligible, and how this year’s bonuses will work.

How will I know if I am eligible?

You are eligible if you are 65 years of age or older or receive a disability pension, paid rent or property tax last year, and meet the income requirements.

The income limit is $35,000 per household for owners and $15,000 per household for renters. If you receive Social Security benefits, the state counts only half of them toward your income cap. (Some veteran benefits don’t count Jeez.)

Widows or widowers over the age of 50 may also be eligible. For more information, Available from the State Department of Revenuemanage the program.

One thing to note is that the size of your household does not change your income limit. Even if you are married and living together, you and your spouse must have combined incomes below the threshold to qualify.

If you think you are eligible, please contact your state legislator’s office. local office State Department of Revenue Aging Regional Agency In your county, or at your local senior center. There is no charge to let you know if you are eligible or to help you with your application.

how much will i get?

The exact amount depends on your income, whether you are a renter or homeowner, and where you live in the state.You can find the breakdown hereGenerally, the maximum rebate you can receive is $650, but homeowners in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Scranton may receive additional rebates due to the way those cities structure their local taxes. . Some older homeowners may also receive an extra if they pay much of their income in property taxes.

Yes! In July, the state legislature approved a temporary increase in this year’s rebate, so the recipient would receive 70% on top of his regular amount. So if you normally receive $650, you will receive an additional $455 this year, for a total of $1,105.

How do I get my bonus?

If you have already submitted your application for this year, there is nothing else you need to do. One-time bonus paid Automatically, according to the Revenue Service.

If you haven’t applied yet in 2021, it’s not too late. Until the end of the year.Department encourages you to apply online.

What do I do if I am behind on my property taxes?

Rebates technically return part of a payment you’ve already made, so you’ll need to be up-to-date on your property tax payments to qualify.

Why can’t property taxes be completely abolished?

It’s a long story. Pennsylvania state legislators have repeatedly tried to make sweeping changes to Pennsylvania’s property tax system, but have struggled to come to an agreement. One reason is that finding ways to replace income from property taxes requires difficult trade-offs, such as raising income taxes or subjecting things like clothing and other household items to sales tax. is.

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