Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program returns some of what eligible residents pay in property taxes or rent each year. It’s aimed at older adults and people with disabilities living on a limited income, and it’s separate from anything you claim on your federal or PA income tax return.
Who Qualifies
- PA residents age 65 or older
- Widows and widowers age 50 or older
- People with disabilities age 18 or older
Eligibility also depends on your annual household income falling under a state-set limit, which has been expanded in recent years to cover more middle-income households than the program originally allowed.
How the Rebate Is Calculated
The rebate amount is based on a sliding scale tied to income, with lower-income applicants receiving a larger rebate. Renters can qualify using a percentage of rent paid treated as equivalent to property tax. Because the income brackets and maximum rebate amounts are set annually by the state, check the current-year figures on the PA Department of Revenue’s website before estimating what you’d receive.
How to Apply
- File Form PA-1000, either on paper or through myPATH, the state’s online filing system
- Include proof of income and, for renters, a rent certificate signed by your landlord (or receipts if a certificate isn’t available)
- Homeowners should include proof of property taxes paid, such as a receipted tax bill
Deadlines and Extensions
The standard filing deadline is typically June 30, though Pennsylvania has issued extensions into December in several recent years. Since deadlines can shift, confirm the current deadline on the state’s rebate program page rather than assuming it matches a prior year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply every year? Yes — the rebate isn’t automatic. You need to file a new application each year you want to claim it, even if your situation hasn’t changed.
Does receiving this rebate affect my PA income tax return? No, the rebate is a separate benefit and doesn’t get reported as income on your PA-40.
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