June 12, 2014
READING, June 12, 2014 – People who depend on state property tax or rent rebates now have another six months to submit an application for the money, state Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said today after being notified by the Department of Revenue.
Applicants now have until Dec. 31 to submit their free requests for the money, which is designed for eligible residents who: are at least 65 years old; are widows and widowers who are at least 50 years old; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
“The June 30 deadline was fast approaching, so I am pleased that the Department of Revenue has agreed to give qualified people another six months to get some of the money back that they’ve paid in property taxes or rent,” Schwank said. “As always, my office is available to help residents of the 11th Senatorial District fill out and turn in their applications, if they need our assistance.”
The annual income limit is $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded from consideration.
Rebates range from $250 to $650. Some eligible homeowners could receive up to $975.
So far, state Revenue officials say 465,000 people have applied for rebates.
Call Schwank’s district office at 610-929-2151 to request an application or ask questions, or visit the Department of Revenue’s website, www.revenue.state.pa.us, to download an application.
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December 11, 2012
READING, Dec. 11, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank reminds everyone that the filing deadline for senior citizens and other individuals eligible for the 2011 Property Tax and Rent Rebate is Dec. 31.
“This program has provided beneficial property tax relief to many individuals and families, so I encourage eligible folks to apply now,” Schwank said. “Last year alone, 18,906 eligible Berks County residents received a rebate, totaling nearly $9.2 million in tax payer relief for our county.”
The Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program provides financial assistance for homeowners and renters who are 65 years or older, widows or widowers over the age of 50, and permanently disabled persons over the age of 18.
The program’s income eligibility limit for qualifying homeowners is $35,000. The rebate ranges from $250 to $650 depending on the individual’s gross income. Some homeowners may receive larger rebates than requested, based income and/or property taxes, because they may qualify for a supplemental property tax rebate up to $975. Qualifying renters must have an income under $15,000 and their rebate ranges from $500 to $650.
For additional information or help completing the Property Tax or Rent Rebate application, contact Schwank’s District Office at 1940 N. 13th St. in Reading, or by phone (610) 929-2151.
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November 9, 2012
READING, Nov. 9, 2012 — State Sen. Judy Schwank is cautioning all seniors to be vigilant of organizations requesting payment for completing the state Property Tax and Rent Rebate application.
“Many seniors have alerted us to potential scams and moneymaking schemes tied to the state rebate program,” said Schwank (D-Berks). “It is important for seniors to be aware that this rebate can be completed and forwarded free of charge at my district office, as well as other state agencies.”
For more information about the program and for an applications, individuals can contact Schwank’s district office at 1940 N. 13th St. in Reading at 610-929-2151 or the State Revenue Department at 625 Cherry St. in Reading at 610-378-4401
To qualify for a rebate, individuals must be at least 65 years of age as of Dec. 31, 2011, a widow or widower 50 years or older or permanently disabled during all or part of the 2011 claim year.
The program’s income eligibility limit for qualifying homeowners remains at $35,000 with the maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. Low-income, elderly renters may also receive rebates ranging from $500 to $650, but the income limit is $15,000 a year for renters.
The deadline to submit an application is Dec. 31.
“Individuals who think they qualify for a rebate should complete and mail their application to the Department of Revenue as soon as possible,” Schwank said.
If seniors feel they have been a victim of a potential scam please contact the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 717-787-9707 or contact Schwank’s district office.
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December 14, 2011
HARRISBURG, December 14, 2011 – State Sen. Judy Schwank reminds eligible citizens that the application for the state property tax/rent rebate is due Dec. 31.
“Last year, more than 31,000 Berks County residents collected $14.7 million in rebates. That’s significant savings,” Schwank said. “In this economy, folks can benefit from this program more than ever, so I urge eligible individuals to apply now, and I encourage everyone to remind your friends and loved ones who would qualify for a rebate that the deadline is fast approaching.”
Applications and free filing assistance are available at the senator’s district office at the Rockland Professional Center, 1940 N. 13th St., Suite 232 in Reading.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and information are also available online at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com or by calling 1-888-222-9190 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can increase rebates to $975.
The state is providing $776.2 million in property tax relief this year, including expanded rebates from the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program and general property tax relief for all homeowners distributed through school districts last summer. As a result, school property tax bills were completely eliminated for about 120,000 residents statewide this year.
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