In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the deadline for older adults and Pennsylvania residents with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2019 has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, announced the Department of Revenue.
“As the spread of COVID-19 impacts Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth, the Wolf administration wants to ensure that everyone who is eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has all the time they need to file their rebate applications,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “We recognize that many applicants visit our district offices or their state legislator’s office for in-person help with filling their application. Extending the deadline early this year will allow people to stay at home now and avoid unnecessary travel, as Gov. Wolf has recommended.”
Under Pennsylvania law, the initial deadline for the filing of applications for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is June 30. The Department of Revenue typically evaluates the program as the statutory June 30 application deadline approaches to determine if funds are available to extend the deadline. Due to the recent closure of commonwealth offices and to give applicants more time, the deadline is being extended earlier than usual this year.
Distribution of rebates will begin no earlier than July 1, as required by law. Rebates are distributed as claims are received and processed. As a reminder, applicants are required to submit their bank account information on their application forms in order to receive their rebates through direct deposit.
It is free to apply for a rebate, and applicants may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information on the Department of Revenue’s website.
Starting in late April, claimants who already applied for rebates may check Property Tax/Rent Rebate Status online or call, toll-free, 1-888-PATAXES.
Visit the department’s Online Customer Service Center to find helpful tips and answers to commonly asked questions about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Department of Revenue automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.
Since the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program’s 1971 inception, older and disabled adults have received more than $6.9 billion in property tax and rent relief. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.
