Property Tax & Rent Rebates Coming Sooner Than Usual

Many older homeowners, renters, and people with disabilities could get their state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program funds a bit earlier than usual.

The program usually starts issuing funds on July 1, but Gov. Tom Wolf and state Treasurer Joe Torsella plan to begin issuing rebates to approved applicants starting Wednesday. 

The move follows Wolf signing a bill that allows for early distribution on the funds on a “first-in-first-out basis.”

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is for qualified older homeowners, renters, and people with disabilities who meet specific income requirements. Renters can get back as much as $650 and homeowners can get up to $975.

“This commonsense solution gives thousands of our older and vulnerable residents their rebates early when they need it,” said Wolf. “I thank members of the General Assembly and Treasurer Torsella for working quickly on this issue so that we can provide this needed financial support. We also want everyone who is eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to know that the application deadline for the program has been extended so that everyone has the time they need to take advantage of the program. The deadline to submit applications is now Dec. 31, 2020.”

“Older folks and our less well-off neighbors rely on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for help. They’re also among those bearing the heaviest burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was proud to lead the team at Treasury in working with the Governor’s team and the General Assembly, particularly Representatives White and Solomon, to find a way to get these payments out as early as we can, and into the hands of the Pennsylvanians who need them. I am grateful for their collective leadership and cooperation on this issue,” Torsella said. 

State Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said more than 400,000 rebates have previously been issued on July 1. Due to the change, he said his office “will work as quickly as possible to distribute their rebates.”

Residents who have included their bank account information on their Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form will get their funds through direct deposit and the rest will receive a check in the mail.

The state offered the following information on the program:

Tips for Checking the Status of Your Rebate

The Department of Revenue is asking claimants to keep in mind that its main call centers are operating in a limited capacity due to the efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania. As a result, claimants are encouraged to use online tools and other automated resources to check the status of their rebates or ask a question.

• Claimants who already applied for rebates may use the Where’s My PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate? tool to check the status of their rebate. You will need your Social Security number, claim year and date of birth to use this tool.
• Call 1-888-PATAXES to check the status of your rebate. This automated toll-free service is available 24 hours a day. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth and the anticipated amount of your rebate to use this service.
• Claimants who included their phone number on their Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application form (PA-1000) will receive automated calls from the Department of Revenue updating them on the status of their claim. Claimants should know that these automated phone calls require no further action. They will not be asked to key in any numbers or to provide any additional information.
• Claimants can visit the department’s Online Customer Service Center to find helpful tips and answers to commonly asked questions about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The Online Customer Service Center also allows you to submit a question to a Department of Revenue representative through a secure process that is similar to sending an email.

Steps to Follow if You Haven’t Submitted Your Application 

For eligible applicants who have yet to file their Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application, the Department of Revenue is offering help for those who need it. Eligible claimants are encouraged to call 1-888-222-9190 for guidance. Please keep in mind that department staff will work as quickly as possible to help claimants with their applications.

Applicants are encouraged to obtain the Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim form (PA-1000) and related information on the Department of Revenue’s website.

The deadline for older adults and Pennsylvania residents with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2019 was extended from June 30 to Dec. 31, 2020.

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