Deadline to Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Extended, Says Causer

HARRISBURG – The deadline to apply for the state’s 2013 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is being extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) said today.

Free assistance with filing for the rebate is available at Causer’s offices in Bradford and Coudersport.

Under the program, eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2013. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with permanent disabilities.

Income eligibility limits are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters).
• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters).
• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only).
• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only).

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, more than $5.4 billion has been paid to qualified applicants. Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.

As of May 30, the Revenue Department had received 463,672 rebate applications. As specified by law, rebate distribution will begin on July 1. After June 30, rebates will be distributed as claims are received and processed.  After July 1, claimants who already applied for rebates may check the status of claims online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling, toll-free 1-888-PATAXES.

For more information or assistance with filing for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate visit Causer’s website at RepCauser.com or contact his offices in Bradford or Coudersport:

• 78 Main St., First Floor, Bradford – 814-362-4400.
• 107 S. Main St., Room 1, Coudersport – 814-274-9769.