McCord Treasury Readying $240 Million in Property Tax, Rent Rebates for PA's Citizens

Treasury issuing 500,000 payments July 1 – and saving taxpayer dollars in the process

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  Wondering where your property tax or rent rebate payment is?  State Treasurer Rob McCord provided an answer today when he said Treasury will issue approximately half a million payments totaling $240 million to Pennsylvanians on July 1.

"Hundreds of thousands of older Pennsylvanians and citizens with disabilities rely on these payments to make ends meet and stay in their homes," said Treasurer McCord of the payments made possible through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (PTRR).  "It's our job to process these payments in a timely and accurate manner.  It's one of the public services we're proud to render here at Treasury, and we're proud of the fact that we're doing it while saving taxpayer dollars."

Treasurer McCord explained that a modernization initiative he launched in Treasury's Mail Center has helped to save the Commonwealth nearly $2.7 million since June 2009.  The center's upgrades and improved internal controls have enabled it to presort mail for the U.S. Postal Service, which saves up to ten cents per piece of mail and cuts the need for employee overtime.

Treasury's Mail Center processes 6.5 million pieces per year, and it will save $44,000 on the cost of this mailing alone, the Treasurer said.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits Pennsylvania residents who are 65 and older; a widow or widower age 50 and older; and those who are disabled and are 18 or older.  The annual income limit is $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters.  Half of Social Security income is excluded.

Treasurer McCord said applicants may check the status of their rebate claims online by clicking on the Property Tax Relief graphic at www.patreasury.org or by calling 1-888-PATAXES.

The Department of Revenue recently announced that it would accept PTRR applications through the end of the year.  Citizens may obtain claim form PA-1000 at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling 1-888-222-9190.  

SOURCE Pennsylvania Treasury Department