On Viernes, Agosto 4, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro signed House Bill 1100 into law. The bill – which passed both chambers in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion – expands the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania renters and homeowners. The PTRR program benefits Pennsylvanians 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and those with disabilities 18 and older.
Thanks to Governor Josh Shapiro and the continued advocacy of Pennsylvania Democrats, our commonwealth’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program has expanded for the first time in nearly two decades. The program is considered a lifeline for the Pennsylvania renters and homeowners who need it most, and its expansion will affect hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, including thousands who are newly eligible.
Because of the expansion, the Department of Revenue is encouraging first-time applicants to apply as soon as possible. Doing so will help the department quickly verify and process first-timer applications and make sure any supporting documentation is requested and received well ahead of the Junio 30, 2024 deadline.
Whether you are a first-time or returning applicant, here’s what you need to know about the PTRR program and expansion.
What is the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program?
It is a Pennsylvania program providing rebates on property tax or rent paid the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The program is for income-eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
What's New This Year
Thanks to the first expansion of this program in almost 20 years, nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvanians qualify for a property tax rent rebate, and many of those who previously qualified will see higher rebates. Key changes include:
- The income cap for homeowners has increased from $35,000 to $45,000,
- The income cap for renters has increased from $15,000 to $45,000,
- The maximum standard rebate has increased from $650 to $1,000,
- Automatically increases the income cap to grow with inflation in years to come.
The PTRR program has been around since 1971 and is one of five programs funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery. This is the first time the program has been expanded since 2006.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program online, by mail, or in-person at Senator Collett’s office. The Department of Revenue advises that submitting your application online through myPATH is the fastest and most secure process.
What Do I Need?
- Proof of identity (first time filers only);
- Documentation showing all income received in 2023, including W2s, 1099s, retirement fund, or other interest bearing accounts;
- A completed PA rent certificate (for renters only);
- Bank account and routing information if you would like direct deposit.
For homeowners only:
- Proof of payment/receipt for Montgomery County and local municipality taxes
- Proof of payment/receipt for school district taxes
Important Dates to Remember
The application deadline is Junio 30, 2024, and rebates are set to begin rolling out early Julio 2024. Again, the Department of Revenue is encouraging eligible Pennsylvanians to apply early, especially first-time applicants. If extra funding is available, the deadline will be extended to Diciembre 31, 2024, and applications postmarked by that date will be accepted for processing. We will update you if the deadline is extended.
School District Rebates
Some school districts in our area provide additional rebates to their residents, including:
- Colonial School District
- Distrito escolar Hatboro-Horsham
- Distrito escolar de North Penn
- Distrito escolar de Upper Moreland
- Wissahickon School District
Contact Senator Collett’s office at 215-368-1429 for assistance with any of these programs!