Jan. 12, 2021
HARRISBURG – Citing concern that many older residents and others have failed to meet the Dec. 31, 2020, deadline to apply for relief through Pennsylvania’s 2019 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) recently requested a one-month extension to submit applications to the Department of Revenue.
In an email sent to Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell, Toohil explained that her office staff assists seniors in filling out the application, but that has been difficult in recent months due to the pandemic as many older residents are following social distancing guidelines. She said the extra time is needed to enable them to apply for a rebate.
In his response, Hassell explained that any further changes to the application deadline should be decided by the General Assembly.
“However, we are cognizant of the difficulties caused by the pandemic, including office closures that may affect a claimant’s ability to submit an application to the department,” wrote Hassell.
As a further courtesy to assist claimants still seeking to apply for a 2019 rebate, Hassell said the department will continue to accept applications forwarded by Toohil’s staff or other legislative offices through the end of January.
“We are grateful to Secretary Hassell for offering this extended service to ensure that everyone who is eligible to receive a rebate has the opportunity to now submit an application,” said Toohil. “I encourage eligible residents to contact my office before Friday, Jan. 29, so we can submit their application form.”
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanian residents 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 certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office
717-260-6136
RepToohil.com /
Facebook.com/RepToohil