In a bid to assist newly eligible Pennsylvanians navigating the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, the Department of Revenue (DOR) is deploying representatives to community centers for personalized aid. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program which opened its new claim season on January 16, 2024, aims to benefit seniors aged 65 and older, widows and widowers above 50 and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older. Recognizing the significance of in-person guidance, Revenue Secretary Pat Browne expressed the DOR’s commitment to easing the filing process for approximately 175,000 newly eligible individuals.
In-Person Assistance and Tax Filing Support
Amid the historic Property Tax/Rent Rebate program expansion, the DOR is extending in-person assistance at local community centers including the Mahanoy City Senior Community Center on Feb. 7, 15, and 21, and the Coal Region Adult Community Center in Shamokin on Feb. 21 and 28. The move is a response to the increased demand for support following the program’s expansion.
Emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions, Secretary Pat Browne highlighted the importance of experienced representatives guiding applicants through the application and filing processes. The outreach aims to accommodate the diverse needs of Pennsylvania’s senior population, ensuring that eligible individuals can claim their rebates seamlessly.
Applicants seeking assistance with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program application (PA-1000) are encouraged to review eligibility guidelines. With the recent claim season underway the DOR representatives will also aid taxpayers in filing Pennsylvania personal income tax returns (PA-40s). As the tax season kicks off individuals are reminded to bring their tax information, identification cards, and Social Security cards for efficient processing.
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Local Centers and Important Reminders
In Mahanoy City, staff will be available at the Mahanoy City Senior Community Center while in Shamokin, assistance will be provided at the Coal Region Adult Community Center. However, potential schedule changes due to inclement weather may impact the assistance availability.
People are urged to bring all the necessary documents like income papers, IDs with pictures and Social Security cards for themselves and their dependents when filing taxes. Don’t forget if you earned more than $33 in total gross taxable income in 2023, you need to submit your Pennsylvania personal income tax return by April 15, midnight. The Department of Revenue (DOR) is making an extra effort to have more places and face-to-face help available showing their commitment to assisting the community during tax season.