Chester County Seniors May Soon Be Able to “STRIVE” to Reduce Property Taxes

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By Brad & Dara Trout

Many senior citizens tell us that their property tax increases present a big burden on their fixed income. Chester County school taxes have increased anywhere from 17% to 52% from 2001 to 2013 according to openpagov.org. Compare that to overall inflation of approximately 22% over that same time frame (inflationdata.com).

Meanwhile, many active retirees would like to give back to their community, earn a little extra income, but don’t want to commit to a full time job.

Representative Tim Hennessey
Representative Tim Hennessey

In February, PA State Representative Hennessey (R-Chester/Montgomery Counties) reintroduced the STRIVE bill – Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program.

Rep. Hennessey’s on-line memo states, “This legislation, which is endorsed by the PA School Boards Association, grants explicit legislative authorization to allow all public school districts in the Commonwealth to implement programs that allow taxpayer residents 60 years of age and older to volunteer in schools and receive a real property tax credit in exchange for their service.  Currently, there are 18 school districts that PSBA is aware of that have senior citizen tax rebate programs.  Services that seniors may provide to schools include tutoring children, mentoring activities.  School districts would have the authority to set up specific regulations over the criteria for acceptance.”

Today, Downingtown, Pottstown, Great Valley and Owen J Roberts Districts are some of those 18 districts with a program in place. Most programs allow seniors to reduce their school tax by up to between $500 and $600 per year by crediting seniors’ volunteer hours at between $5 and $9 per hour.

If you want to encourage your representative to vote for this important STRIVE bill for seniors, you can find your representative at the PA General Assembly web site.

By the way, one other excellent way to earn some extra money, without the annual limits, is to become one of our great caregivers at Seniors Helping Seniors!

Brad & Dara TroutFor more information or help to keep your senior living at home, contact Dara or Brad Trout today at (610) 590-4888 or via email at daratrout@heart4helpingseniors.com. You can also visit Seniors Helping Seniors blog on senior care topics on the web at www.seniorcareexton.com/blog & you can refer any senior caregivers interested in part time employment to http://seniorcareexton.com/Want-to-Help.html

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Top photo credit: Taxes via photopin (license)

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