It Is Never Too Early To Plan For Taxes
Especially The PA Property Tax Or Rent Rebate Program
You may be thinking about football, fall leaves, pumpkins and Thanksgiving, but tax time will be here before you know it!! As you pay your property and school tax bills, it is very important to remember a few simple tips to make sure you are prepared for tax season. First and foremost, always remember to have your tax collector stamp your tax bill “PAID” or obtain a receipt. When filing for a property tax rebate, the state does not recognize cancelled checks or bank statements as proof you have paid your taxes; a copy of the paid receipt must be included. If you pay your taxes by mail, please inquire if your tax collector will send you a receipt. Often, if you include a self-addressed stamped envelope they are happy to comply with this request. Each tax collector is different, so please be sure to inquire ahead of time and not last minute. If you realize you are missing a paid receipt, please obtain one before tax time.
It is always best to bring your property and school tax receipts along to your tax appointment since the exact amounts need to be entered into the computer program to determine if you are eligible for the rebate. The income chart provides us with a guide, but often times, people who will qualify did not come to the appointment prepared with receipts. This necessitates another trip back to TRAAC to process the rebate. The best rule for tax paperwork is to bring everything along with you; if we need it, we have it. If you decide to leave it at home and we need it, you will need to make another trip back to TRAAC to process your rebate. Assistance with processing your property tax rebate paperwork will be available at TRAAC each day we provide AARP tax assistance. In addition, if you do not file taxes, you can make an appointment for property tax rebate assistance by calling the center.
If you are a renter, we also assist in processing rent rebate paperwork. The most important thing a renter needs to keep in mind and the first form you need to get completed is the PA Rent Certificate. This form MUST be completed and signed by your landlord. If you do not have a PA Rent Certificate form available from the rebate booklet, you can obtain one from TRAAC. Once the PA Rent Certificate is complete, you are able to make an appointment with us for assistance to process your rent rebate application.
If you have any questions concerning the PA Property Tax or Rent Rebate program, please call the center.