HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said applications are now available for the expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program that offers rebates of up to $650 based on property taxes and rents paid in 2006.
The applications are available at George’s office at 275 Spring St., Houtzdale, or by calling 866-354-0890 toll free. Applications also are available online at under “Forms & Publications.”
Residents 65 or older, widows or widowers 50 or older and permanently disabled residents 18 or older may qualify for the program.
“An additional 400,000 state residents will be eligible this year as the income guidelines for homeowners have been increased to $35,000 from $15,000,” George said. “Eligible homeowners can make more than $35,000 and still qualify because applicants exclude one-half of their Social Security income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits.”
George said that under the Taxpayer Relief Act he voted for last year, an estimated 2,529 Clearfield County homeowners will be eligible to have all school property taxes rebated through the rebate program. Almost 6,400 county homeowners are believed eligible for rebates.
After subtracting half of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 incomes, the expanded household income limits and rebates available for homeowners are:
— $0-$8,000 — $650 rebate
— $8,001-$15,000 — $500 rebate
— $15,001-$18,000 — $300 rebate
— $18,001-$35,000 — $250 rebate
Residents receiving Property Tax/Rent Rebates last year will be mailed this year’s application. The rebates are distributed beginning in July.
Also available from Rep. George’s Houtzdale office or by calling 866-354-0890 are FAFSAs –the federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid – and state income tax forms.