Deadline Nears to Apply for “2007” Property Tax & Rent Rebates

Harrisburg, PA – December 22, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) – Senate Democratic Whip Michael A. O’Pake today reminded eligible senior citizens who haven’t yet received a property tax or rent rebate check this year that there’s still time to apply. However, the December 31 application deadline for “2007 tax year” property tax and rent rebates is fast approaching, the Senator advised.

O’Pake (D-Berks) said that while more than 606,000 seniors had already applied and more than $266.4 million in rebates distributed this year, the Department of Revenue still estimates that there are as many as 100,000 eligible claimants who haven’t applied.

In Berks County, O’Pake said, nearly 18,000 seniors have so far received property tax and rent rebate checks totaling more than $8 million this year, and yet, the Department of Revenue estimates that there still may be about 2,000 eligible claimants who haven’t applied.

“Since our 2006 expansion of this program, many more senior citizens are eligible and the size of the rebate checks has been boosted. It would be a shame for anybody who’s eligible not to receive the rebate they’re entitled to receive,” O’Pake said.

The Property Tax and Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program benefits low to moderate income seniors 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older and disabled adults 18 and older. Income eligibility limits for homeowner applicants were boosted two years ago to $35,000 (with one half of Social Security not included in the income calculation). While the previous income limit for eligible renters remains at $15,000 (with one half of Social Security not counted in the income calculation), the maximum rebate for eligible renters and homeowners was increased from $500 to $650.

To obtain a “2007 tax year” PTRR application packet, contact Senator O’Pake’s district office at 610-929-2151 or look for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate link on the Senator’s website at www.senator-opake.com.