Thousands Eligible for $1,000 Tax Rebate in Single State
An enhanced program in Pennsylvania now allows older adults and individuals with disabilities to request tax rebates of up to $1,000.
Governor Josh Shapiro announced the reopening of applications for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program on Tuesday.
The rebate amount has been elevated from $650 to $1,000 for eligible individuals, following the enactment of bipartisan legislation in 2023, as specified by the criteria established.
What is Property Tax Rebate in Pennsylvania?
The program offering rebates for rent or property taxes to eligible older adults and individuals with disabilities has undergone significant changes this year.
Rebates, ranging from $380 to $1,000, are allocated based on income, with lower-income residents receiving higher amounts and certain applicants qualifying for additional funds.
Established in 1971 and funded by gaming and the Pennsylvania Lottery, the program has distributed over $8 billion in rebates.
Notably, Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro, fulfilling a campaign promise and his inaugural budget speech commitment, signed a bill in August 2023, marking the program’s first expansion since 2006.
The recent changes include an increased income cap and higher rebate amounts.
Under the expansion, standard rebates, previously capped at $650, can now reach up to $1,000.
Eligibility has been extended to homeowners and renters with incomes below $45,000, a notable increase from the previous limits of $15,000 for renters and $35,000 for homeowners. Moving forward, income caps will be indexed to the cost of living.
Governor Shapiro officially announced the commencement of new applications on Tuesday.
Who Qualifies for Participation in the Program?
The program’s eligibility criteria encompass individuals aged 65 and above, widows aged 50 and above, and any adults with disabilities.
Qualified participants are now eligible to receive rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000, contingent upon their annual income.
Maximum rebates are allocated to those earning less than $8,000 annually, while some individuals may qualify for supplementary rates.
Individuals eligible for supplementary rates must own property, have an income of $30,000 or less, and have property taxes exceeding 15 percent of their annual income.
Additionally, supplementary rates are exclusively available to residents of Scranton, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
Applications for the rebate must be submitted by June 30, and the distribution of rebates will commence on July 1.
