Property tax/rent rebate application deadline extended

HARRISBURG - The application deadline to file for the state's Property/Tax Rent Rebate program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2007. By extending the deadline, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue expects an additional 40,000 applicants to apply for the rebate program.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2006. The 2006 Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Property Tax/Rent Rebate report shows that more than 460,000 claims have been filed for this year's rebates. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.

Eligibility income limits for homeowners were recently expanded to the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

- $0 and $8,000, $650 rebate (Homeowners and renters)

- $8,001 to $15,000, $500 rebate (Homeowners and renters)

- $15,001 to $18,000, $300 rebate (Homeowners only)

- $18,001 to $35,000, $250 rebate (Homeowners only)

Since the program began in 1971, more than $3.76 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by contacting either of Rep. Todd Rock's district offices at (717) 749-7384 (Waynesboro) or at (717) 597- 2224 (Greencastle), or by visiting his Web site at RepRock.com

Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.