Seniors eligible to apply for tax rebate program

WEST CHESTER >> Chester County senior citizens and those with disabilities can apply now through June 30 for the Pennsylvania 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 maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.

Additional eligibility requirements include, an income limit of $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.

“While we work to recover from this pandemic, the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program continues to assist senior citizens and others, many of whom are on fixed or limited incomes. I encourage all eligible residents to apply,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-19th, of West Chester. “Please know that my office is available to assist you with applications or questions for this and other important state programs.”

Eligible applicants can contact Senator Comitta’s office at (610) 692-2112 or senatorcomitta@pasenate.com with questions, for application assistance, or to request an application via mail.

The rebate program is for rent or taxes paid in 2020. Applying is free, however, applicants must provide proof of income (1099 form), age, disability, and taxes paid (for homeowners) or rent paid (for renters). their 1099 forms.

In addition, this year applicants can apply online through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s myPATH system. Filing online leads to fast processing, easy direct deposit options and automatic calculators that will help you apply for your rebate. Visit mypath.pa.gov to file your application.

“Offering an online filing option gives us a new, userfriendly tool that helps us ensure everyone who is eligible for the Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program has a simple way to submit their applications,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “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.”

If you’ve already submitted your application, you can also track the status of your rebate, using the Where’s my PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate feature at mypath.pa.gov.

In addition, applications are also available online at www.revenue.state. pa.us or by calling toll-free (888) 222-9190. Free assistance is available through the Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.