Jun 5, 2011 2 min read

State Rep. Pete Daley, D-California, said the deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31.

The program provides state rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2010 to eligible Pennsylvanians 65 and older; widows and widowers 50 and older; and people with disabilities 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security, Supplemental Security, or federal Railroad Retirement Tier I income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.

?Rebate amounts are as follows:

n Income between $0 and $8,000, up to $650 rebate (homeowners and renters).

n Income between $8,001 to $15,000, up to $500 rebate (homeowners and renters).

n Income between $15,001 to $18,000, up to $300 rebate (homeowners only).

n Income between $18,001 to $35,000, up to $250 rebate (homeowners only).

Daley also said that free assistance is available at his district offices for those who would like help completing the application.

“No one should have to pay for completing this form, although I have heard of companies that are sending what appears to be an official government form through the mail and attempting to solicit a fee for filing the application,” Daley said. “Please know that the only official government agency associated with this program is the Pennsylvania Revenue Department and that there is free help available. Paying a company to file your notice will not change the amount of rebate that you will receive. The rebate amount is prescribed through the program.”

Rebates will be distributed, beginning July 1. After June 30, rebates will be distributed as claims are received and processed.

Free assistance with the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is available at any of Daley’s district offices.

Constituents can call: Donora, 724-379-5540, or toll free 1-800-467-9486; Center in the Woods, 724-938-6800; Claysville, 724-663-4727; or Brownsville, 724-785-1201.

Applications also are available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling 1-888-222-9190.