Auditor General DePasquale Reminds PA Homeowners March 1 is Deadline for Property Tax Relief Application

February 26 2013

Auditor General DePasquale Reminds PA Homeowners March 1 is Deadline for Property Tax Relief Application

HARRISBURG (Feb. 26, 2013) – Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today reminded homeowners that March 1 is the deadline to apply for property tax relief they are entitled to from legalized gambling revenues.

“Property tax relief is not automatic for homeowners who have never applied,” DePasquale said. “I urge all homeowners, if they have not already done so, to take advantage of this important program prior to the March 1 deadline.”

Essentially all Pennsylvania homeowners who reside in their home as their permanent primary residence are eligible for property tax relief, regardless of age or income. Homeowners who applied in prior years and have been receiving the annual reductions typically do not need to reapply unless notified by their local tax assessment offices.

To help eligible homeowners sign up for property tax relief by March 1, the Department of Auditor General’s website — www.PaAuditor.gov — includes a link to county-by-county contact information.

In 2012, more than 2.6 million homeowners were approved for an average $200 reduction in their property tax bill because of $782.5 million in gaming revenue that was available for property tax relief. The actual discount on school property tax bills ranged from $25 to $632. 

DePasquale noted that this program is different from the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program operated through the Department of Revenue that provides additional property tax relief for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. 

For those seeking further assistance in obtaining property tax relief from legalized gambling revenues, taxpayers can contact the Auditor General’s Taxpayer Advocate at 1-800-922-8477.

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