Harrisburg, PA – February 13, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – Homeowners whose residences have not yet been approved for a homestead or farmstead exemption under the state’s property tax relief law have until March 1, 2009, to file their applications with the Berks County Assessment/ Homestead Office, Senator Michael A. O’Pake (D-Berks) reminded constituents.
“Anyone who owns the home or farm they live in is eligible for property tax relief from slots gaming. But, in order to qualify, the property must be an approved homestead or farmstead.
“If you’re already on this list, there’s nothing you need to do. But, if you’re a new homeowner or never filled out the homestead/farmstead exclusion application, you need to apply by March 1 in order to qualify for school property tax relief in fiscal 2009-10” O’Pake said.
Last year, O’Pake said, more than 88,000 Berks County homeowners received more than $19.6 million in school property tax relief from gaming. Statewide, $526.9 million was distributed from gaming for school property tax relief. On top of that, 18,000 eligible Berks County senior citizens received more than $8 million in property tax and rent rebates.
Homestead/farmstead exclusion applications were mailed out by school districts in December.
If your property is not already an approved homestead/farmstead, or you didn’t receive an application, applications are available by contacting your local school district. Further questions may be directed to the Berks County Assessment/Homestead Office at 610-478-6262, ext. 5252.
