Father’s Day is just a few days away, and one of the best gifts you can give your aging father, mother or a resident with a disability is a reminder to apply for the state property tax rent/rebate program.

The deadline to apply has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. 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.

Half of Social Security income is excluded.

“The department has extended the program deadline to ensure eligible applicants have time to apply for the tax relief they’re owed,” said Dan Meuser, secretary of revenue. “About 600,000 older Pennsylvanians and residents with disabilities are expected to benefit from the program.”

Each year the department evaluates the program as the statutory June 30 application deadline approaches to determine if funds are available to extend the deadline. To date, funding has been available to allow all who qualify to take advantage of this tax relief. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. Rebates will be distributed as claims are received and processed.

Applicants may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling 1-888-222-9190. It costs nothing to apply for a rebate and free application assistance is available at Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices.

Claimants may check the status of claims online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling, toll-free, 1-888-PATAXES.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is one of five programs supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery.  Since the program began in 1971, older and disabled adults have received more than $5.6 billion worth of property tax and rent relief.

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