Pennsylvania residents have been granted an extension to apply for the $1,000 property tax and rent rebate, a critical financial relief measure to support seniors and people with disabilities.
Governor Josh Shapiro announced that the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program deadline has been extended to December 31, 2024, giving eligible residents more time to benefit from the program.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program has long been a financial lifeline for Pennsylvania’s elderly and disabled. Initially established to aid those with fixed incomes, this year’s expansion marks the first significant update in nearly two decades. The changes have been welcomed by the community, reflecting the state government’s commitment to addressing the economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
Pennsylvania’s property rebate has increased from an average rate of $650 to $1000 this year. Its income eligibility has also been expanded from $35,000 to $45,000 for homeowners and $15,000 to $45,000 for renters.
Another key change that Pennsylvanians must be aware of is the deadline extension. Applications are accepted online via mypath.pa.gov, in person, and by phone and mail.
Eligibility Criteria
Two important criteria must be met before being eligible for the property tax/Rent or rent rebate. These are:
- Age Criteria
- Pennsylvania homeowners or renters must be 65 or older.
- Widows or widowers who are 50 years of age or older.
- People with disabilities who are 18 years of age or older.
- Income Criteria
Your household income must be $45,000 or less annually to qualify for the rebate.
How to Apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate
You can apply using the online format or paper filing.
To file online:
- Firstly, sign in mypath.pa.gov
- Find the tile of the Rebate.
- Click on “apply for property tax/rent rebate.”
- After clicking, you’ll see a new screen outlining what is needed before you start. These documents include:
- Proof of age
- Proof of disability
- Proof of death
- Proof of income
- Proof of taxes paid
- Proof of Rent Paid – must have a completed Rent Certificate (PA-1000 RC)
- Copies of a will, deed, decree of distribution, or trust agreement proving property ownership
- DEX-41 if filing on behalf of a deceased individual
- mypath will require you to upload the documents listed above using the type of file needed. If you cannot upload the documents, you must file a paper application. After confirming the required items, click “Next” to proceed.
- You will be taken through a series of questions. (Read and answer the questions carefully.)
- The next page contains information regarding your income. If you are married, you’ll fill in for yourself and your spouse.
- The next page is for other income.
- The next page is about the rebate. Depending on whether you are a homeowner or renter, this will require information about where you live.
- The next page will show the rebate amount for which you are qualified based on the information you have given.
- Next, fill out your personal information, including your Social Security number.
- After this page, you’ll enter your account information.
- The next step is uploading your attachments. You’ll fill in all the required documents listed at the beginning of the form.
- Before the application is complete, you must accept the claimant’s oath. Read it carefully and click ‘Continue.’
- Make sure to review the rebate summary before submitting it. After submission, you will be taken to a confirmation page where your email will be shown alongside your confirmation code. Safeguard the confirmation code for future purposes.
For Paper filing:
If you filed for a rebate by paper last year, you will automatically be mailed a paper instruction booklet/application form.
You can also get the paper applications online at revenue.pa.gov/ptrr or by calling 1-800-362-2050
