HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, is reminding Clearfield County residents that Monday is the deadline for homeowners and farm owners to apply for exemptions on property taxes.
“Only eligible homes and farms registered by March 1 are eligible to receive a property tax reduction through the Homeowner Tax Relief Act,” George said. “The property simply must be a resident’s permanent primary residence on which property taxes are paid.
“This tax relief is available for all homeowners, regardless of age, income or value of home,” George said. “No fees are required, and all eligible homeowners in a school district receive the same reduction on their tax bill.”
Applications are available during business hours at the Clearfield County Assessment Office on the first floor of the Courthouse annex in Clearfield. The phone number is 765-2641, extension 5997. Applications also are available at the county’s Web site.
George noted that the state Auditor General recently said that almost 71 percent of the residential properties in Clearfield County have been approved for the property tax relief.
“The numbers – 21,615 approved properties out of 30,553 residential properties in the county – are good but can be better,” George said. “This tax relief is from Pennsylvania’s gaming venues, not taxes, and the average property-tax reduction last year was $189.”
Last year, roughly $5 million in property tax reductions were provided to home and farm owners in Clearfield County school districts. Residents approved previously do not need to apply again as long as they live in the same home.
Applications for rebates on 2009 property taxes and rents now are available online or by calling Rep. George’s Harrisburg office toll free at (1) 866 354-0890.
“The tax-rebate program has existed since 1971,” George said. “It is separate from the tax reductions available through the homestead exemption but is supported by gaming revenues.”
The Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.