State offers property tax, rent rebates

Sep. 30—Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration has expanded the property tax and rent rebate program so more people qualify.

But the expansion isn't in effect yet.

It doesn't start until Jan. 1 for 2023 taxes and rent.

For now, eligible people can apply for rebates of 2022 taxes or rent under existing maximum income guidelines — $15,000 for renters and $35,000 for property owners. The deadline is Dec. 31.

Next year, the maximum rises to $45,000 for renters and property owners. After that, income limits and benefits will rise with inflation.

Applying costs nothing.

In both cases, you're eligible if you meet the income guidelines, live in Pennsylvania and are 65 or older. Widows and widowers 50 and older and people with disabilities 18 and older are also eligible.

If you're applying for the first time, you need proof of age, disability, income, taxes paid, a rent certificate, copies of a will, deed or other proof of homeownership or a spouse's death certificate.

Current guidelines

Income limits: $35,000 a year for homeowners, $15,000 for renters.

What income counts: Salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, estate and trust income, half of Social Security or railroad retirement Tier 1 benefits; pension, annuity, IRA or railroad retirement Tier 2 benefits; interest and dividend income; profit on sale of a home or business; net rental or business income; gambling or lottery winnings; the value of inheritances, alimony or spousal support; welfare, unemployment and workers' compensation payments; loss-of-time or disability benefits; and life insurance benefits, except for the first $5,000 of a death benefit.

Benefit amounts, property owners: $650 if a homeowner earns up to $8,000 a year; $500 for income of $8,001 to $15,000 a year; $300 for income of $15,001 to $18,000 a year; $250 for income of $18,001 to $35,000 a year.

Supplemental benefit amounts, property owners: 50% more in each income range if you live in Scranton, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh; and 50% more elsewhere if property taxes take up at least 15% of income.

That's $975 if a homeowner earns up to $8,000 a year; $750 for income of $8,001 to $15,000 a year; $450 for income of $15,001 to $18,000 a year; $375 for income of $18,001 to $30,000 a year.

Benefit amounts, renters: $650 if you earn $0 to $8,000; and $500 for $8,001 to $15,000.

Guidelines beginning Jan. 1

Income limits: $45,000 a year for homeowners and renters.

What income counts: Same as before.

Benefit amounts, property owners & renters, 2024: $1,000 if income is up to $8,000 a year; $770 for income of $8,001 to $15,000 a year; $460 for income of $15,001 to $18,000 a year; $380 for income of $18,001 to $45,000 a year.

Supplemental benefit amounts, property owners & renters, 2024: 50% more in each income range if you live in Scranton, Philadelphia or Pittsburgh; and 50% more elsewhere if property taxes take up at least 15% of income.

That's $1,500 if income is up to $8,000 a year; $1,155 for income of $8,001 to $15,000 a year; $690 for income of $15,001 to $18,000 a year; $570 for income of $18,001 to $30,000 a year.

Where to apply

Go to mypath.pa.gov.

Write the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 280503, Harrisburg, Pa., 17128-0503, for an application.

Applications are also available at the Scranton Department of Revenue office, Room 207, Bank Towers Building, 207 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, Pa., 18503-1427. The phone number is 570-963-4585.

Ask state legislators' offices for a form: In Lackawanna County, Sen. Marty Flynn, 570-207-2881; Sen. Rosemary Brown, 570-213-5705; Rep. Kyle Mullins, 570-383-9795; Rep. Kyle Donahue, 570-342-4348; Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, 570-562-2350; Rep. Jim Haddock, 570-655-4883. In Wayne County, it's Brown, Sen. Lisa Baker, 570-675-3931; Rep. Jonathan Fritz, 570-253-5533 and Rep. Joseph Adams, 570-226-5959. In Susquehanna County, it's Baker or Fritz. In Wyoming County, it's Baker or Rep. Tina Pickett, 570-836-4777.

Visit your nearest senior citizens center or county Area Agency on Aging.

Beneficiaries 2021

Lackawanna: Total: 9,120 — 5,215 property owners, 3,905 renters.

Luzerne: Total: 14,694— 9,335 property owners, 5,359 renters.

Wayne: Total: 1,957 — 1,468 property owners, 489 renters.

Wyoming: Total: 981 — 722 property owners, 259 renters.

Schuylkill: Total: 7,763 — 5,747 property owners, 2,016 renters.

Carbon: Total: 3,299 — 2,529 property owners, 770 renters.

Projected newly eligible 2024

Lackawanna: 3,900

Luzerne: 6,000

Wayne: 800

Wyoming: 400

Schuylkill: 3,200

Carbon: 1,200

Contact the writer: bkrawczeniuk@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9147; @BorysBlogTT on Twitter.