Older and disabled Pennsylvanians can now apply for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2020. This assistance is available through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
Applicants can take advantage of a new online filing option that will allow them to submit their applications electronically. Applicants can visit mypath.pa.gov to electronically submit their applications. The Department of Revenue launched this online portal in an effort to make it easier for those who benefit from the program to submit their applications. Previously, all applicants were required to submit a paper application.
“Offering an online filing option gives us a new, user-friendly tool that helps us ensure everyone who is eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has a simple way to submit their applications,” said Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell. “This online option will be especially helpful this year during the COVID-19 pandemic because it will provide applicants with a way to file their applications from the comfort of their homes. This will help us deliver needed support to more than half a million Pennsylvanians who benefit from this program each year.”
“Most seniors want to age in place by staying in their homes for as long as they are able. Every year, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program offers older adults a great opportunity to get some money back on what they have paid out,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “Many of them live on fixed incomes, so they benefit from the financial assistance provided by this program. The Department of Revenue’s new online option is a convenient way for older Pennsylvanians to apply for their rebate.”
Submitting an application online doesn’t require applicants to sign up for an account. They’ll be asked to provide specific information on their income and rent/property taxes. Applicants should check the instruction booklet to learn which information they’ll need to input/upload to complete the process. Benefits of submitting an application online include:
– Fast processing and direct deposit options
– The Where’s My Rebate? tool to track the status of a claim online
– Error-reducing automatic calculators
– Instant confirmation that your application has been filed
– Security features to ensure your sensitive information is safe
– Applicants who still wish to file a paper application form may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online or by calling 1-888-222-9190.
It’s free to apply for a rebate, and free assistance is available at locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. Applicants should call ahead to their preferred location to confirm whether an appointment is required.
Applicants must reapply for rebates every year because rebates are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid in each year. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may file rebate claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in 2020 and meet all other eligibility criteria.
Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law.
– If you provide your phone number on your Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form or in the myPATH electronic application, you will receive an automated call from the Department of Revenue when your claim posts to the department’s processing system. You will also receive another automated call when your claim is approved.
– Check the status of your rebate using the Where’s My Rebate? tool. To check on the status of your claim, you’ll need your Social Security number, claim year and date of birth.
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. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.
