Beyond Bending Tell You How
Are you a homeowner in Pennsylvania? If so, you may be eligible for a property tax rebate. The state of Pennsylvania offers a property tax rebate program to help homeowners who meet certain criteria reduce their property tax burden. In this post, we will take a closer look at the PA property tax rebate program, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and more.
What is the PA Property Tax Rebate Program?
The PA Property Tax Rebate Program is a program offered by the state of Pennsylvania that provides eligible homeowners with a rebate on their property taxes. The program is designed to help low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and widows or widowers reduce their property tax burden.The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and has been in existence since 1971. In the 2018-19 fiscal year, the program provided nearly $261 million in property tax relief to more than 550,000 homeowners.
Who is Eligible for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program?
To be eligible for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program, homeowners must meet the following criteria:- Be a permanent resident of Pennsylvania- Own and occupy their home as their primary residence- Have an annual household income of $35,000 or less for homeowners under 65 years old, or an annual household income of $15,000 or less for homeowners over 65 years old- Have paid property taxes on their home
Income Limits for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program
The income limits for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program are based on the homeowner’s annual household income. The following table shows the income limits for the 2020 tax year:
| Homeowner Age | Maximum Annual Household Income |
|---|---|
| Under 65 | $35,000 |
| 65 or older | $15,000 |
How to Apply for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program
Homeowners who meet the eligibility requirements for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program can apply for the rebate by completing and submitting an application form. The application form is available online or can be obtained by calling the PA Department of Revenue at 1-888-222-9190.The application deadline for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program is typically June 30th of each year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for the 2019 program has been extended to December 31, 2020.
Documents Required for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program
When applying for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program, homeowners will need to provide the following documents:- Proof of age, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate- Proof of income, such as a copy of their federal income tax return- Proof of property taxes paid, such as a receipt or statement from their local tax collector
How Much Can Homeowners Receive from the PA Property Tax Rebate Program?
The amount of rebate that homeowners can receive from the PA Property Tax Rebate Program depends on their income and property taxes paid. The rebates are calculated as a percentage of the property taxes paid, up to a maximum of $650.The following table shows the rebate percentages for the 2020 tax year:
| Annual Household Income | Rebate Percentage |
|---|---|
| Up to $8,000 | 100% |
| $8,001 to $15,000 | 75% |
| $15,001 to $18,000 | 50% |
| $18,001 to $35,000 | 25% |
When Will Homeowners Receive Their Rebate?
Homeowners who are approved for the PA Property Tax Rebate Program can expect to receive their rebate within 4-6 weeks of their application being approved. Rebates are typically issued in the form of a check.
Other Things to Know About the PA Property Tax Rebate Program
Here are a few additional things to keep in mind about the PA Property Tax Rebate Program:- Homeowners can only apply for the program once per year- If a homeowner’s property taxes are paid through a mortgage escrow account, they must provide a copy of their most recent mortgage statement- The PA Property Tax Rebate Program is separate from the homestead exemption program, which provides a reduction in a homeowner’s property tax bill. Homeowners can apply for both programs if they are eligible.
Final Thoughts
The PA Property Tax Rebate Program can be a valuable resource for eligible homeowners who are struggling to pay their property taxes. If you meet the eligibility requirements for the program, be sure to apply before the deadline to take advantage of this valuable benefit.
