Pennsylvania Residents Could Receive Up to $975 with the Rental/Property Tax Refund Program, Providing a Bonus Refund for Previous Year’s Property Taxes or Rent. Inclusive Eligibility Criteria for Up to $975 Tax Refund: Age, Disability, and Spousal Representation Accepted. Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older are eligible for this program.
Moreover, spouses, personal representatives, or heirs may apply on behalf of claimants who meet all other eligibility criteria and have resided in the state for at least one day during the refund year. To qualify for the tax refund program, applicants must not only fall into one of the aforementioned groups but also meet specific income limits as set by the program guidelines.
How to Qualify and Apply for a Tax Refund
Previously, the deadline to apply for reimbursement was June 30; however, it has now been extended to December 31, 2023. Once the application is approved, eligible individuals will receive automated call notifications. The distribution of refunds will commence on July 1. For updates on the refund status, applicants can conveniently check the program website.
These limits are as follows:
- Homeowners: Maximum annual income of $35,000
- Renters: Maximum annual income of $15,000
It is important to note that half of Social Security income is excluded when calculating the total income for eligibility assessment.
To request a refund for taxes and/or rents paid in the previous year (2022), applicants must submit an application through the program’s web portal, which can be downloaded and completed online.
The standard maximum rebate stands at $650; however, qualified homeowners may be eligible for supplemental rebates, increasing their total refund to $975. Refund amounts based on income limits are as follows:
Homeowners:
- $0 to $8,000: $650
- $8,001 to $15,000: $500
- $15,001 to $18,000: $300
- $18,001 to $35,000: $250
Tenants:
- $0 to $8,000: $650
- $8,001 to $15,000: $500
For further details, kindly visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website.
Expanding the Rent/Property Tax Refund Program: A Proposal for a $1,000 Refund Limit
State Governor Josh Shapiro has put forth a proposal to expand the Rent/Property Tax Refund Program, introducing several key measures to benefit eligible individuals:
- Increase the maximum reimbursement for seniors from over $650 to $1,000.
- Raise the income cap for both renters and homeowners to $45,000 per year.
- Establish a mechanism to adjust the cap based on cost of living increases.
If approved, this proposal would make approximately 175,000 Pennsylvanians eligible for the program. Moreover, it would significantly increase reimbursements for the 400,000 individuals already qualified, nearly doubling their current refund amounts.