HARRISBURG, Nov. 22, 2007 -- With thousands of eligible seniors still unaccounted for, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione is reminding Philadelphians to apply for property tax and rent rebates before the holidays distract them from meeting the Dec. 31 deadline. "This can be a hectic time of year for everyone," Tartaglione said, "but it would be a shame to see thousands of low-income seniors miss out because they didn't file an application." The state Department of Revenue estimates that as many as 40,000 Philadelphians who are eligible for tax and rent relief have not yet applied. The program was expanded last year with an influx of revenue from state slot machine proceeds, making thousands eligible who were not before. "We need friends and family to remind seniors and disabled Philadelphians that they may now qualify even if they didn't last year," Tartaglione said. "It can mean hundreds of dollars for the average renter or homeowner." Homeowners with income up to $35,000 and renters with income of up to $15,000 now qualify for relief, and only half of Social Security income is counted. The deadline for application is Dec. 31. Tartaglione said the rebate checks are based on property taxes or rent paid during 2006. Those individuals eligible for the program include Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with permanent disabilities over 18 years of age. For more information on the program, call toll free 1-888-222-9190 or visit www.papropertytaxrelief.com. |
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