School property tax season is right around the corner, striking fear in the hearts of senior citizens on fixed incomes or tight budgets.
However, fear not: There are resources to help seniors suffer with high property taxes.
For instance, a homeowner could apply to the county Board of Assessment to potentially reduce the assessment of their property, to counteract the ongoing rise in property taxes. Also, if the property is the primary residence, a homeowner can apply for the Homestead Exemption program.
There is a third option out there for seniors to reduce their taxes, but certain income eligibilities apply in the process – the PA-1000 Property Tax and Rent Rebate program.
North Penn School District Board of Directors President Tina Stoll will present a seminar at the Montgomery Township Senior Committee next week on the Property Tax Rebate Program to help seniors find out if they are eligible. Both the State and the school district offer rebate programs.
The program is March 20 at 1 p.m. in the senior lounge at the Montgomery Township Community & Recreation Center, 1030 Horsham Road. Register for the seminar here.
According to a press release, the program is based upon the existing Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebate program, which has been in effect since 1971. The program is funded by state lottery and slot machine proceeds, according to the committee.
North Penn homeowners and renters must qualify for the state rebate program first, before qualifying for the North Penn School District.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older; widows and widowers aged 50 or older; and people with disabilities aged 18 and older with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000, according to its website.
However, the eligibility is based on income – Applicantsmust have an annual household income between $0 to $45,000.
The deadline to apply is June 30, 2024. You will need receipts of all property tax payments for the prior tax year. Check with your respective municipal tax collector.
Furthermore, Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, 24thDistrict, is helping seniors with their applications at 11 sessions throughout March, including one in Towamencin and another in North Wales Borough.
Pennycuick said property owners will need proof of taxes paid, either stamped or signed by their local tax collector. Renters need a rent certificate filled out and signed by their landlord.
The following documents are required to complete the process, Pennycuick said:
Residents can call Pennycuick at 21-541-2388 to schedule an appointment or apply onlinefor one of the following dates:
March 18, 20 & 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Montgomery County Community College-Pottstown, 101 College Drive, North Hall,
Room 224, Pottstown
March 19, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Longswamp Township Building, 1112 State, Mertztown
March 21 & 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Boyertown Multi Service Center, 200 W. Spring St., Boyertown
March 25, 1 – 4 p.m.
Trappe Borough Hall Building, 525 W. Main St., Trappe
March 26, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Towamencin Township Building, 1090 Troxel Road, Lansdale
March 26, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
North Wales Borough Hall, 300 School St., North Wales
March 27, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Amity Township Building, 2004 Weavertown Road, Douglasville
March 27, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bally Borough Hall, 425 Chestnut St., Bally
