To help older and disabled Pennsylvanians who are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed delivering one-time bonus rebates to claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. This proposal is a way to ensure that some of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable residents receive financial support during a time of need.
This proposal became effective when Gov. Wolf signed Act 54 of 2022 into law. The legislation calls on the Department of Revenue to issue a one-time bonus rebate equal to 70% of the original rebate amount for every claimant who was approved for a rebate on rent or property taxes paid in 2021. The bonus rebates will be paid for using approximately $140 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
What do I have to do to get this bonus rebate?
If you are an eligible claimant who has already filed an application for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2021, you do not need to take any further action. The Department of Revenue will take care of everything on the back end to ensure that you receive your original rebate and bonus rebate for the 2021 claim year.
For eligible claimants who have not yet filed an application (PA-1000), they are encouraged to do so. Eligible Pennsylvanians can do this online by visiting myPATH, the Department of Revenue's online filing system. This is the best option to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible. Claimants may also find a paper application and instructions on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program by visiting www.revenue.pa.gov/ptrr.
What if I haven't filed an application yet? Is there still time to do that?
Yes, there is time to file an application through the remainder of the year. The deadline to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2021 was extended to Dec. 31, 2022. The department strongly encourages eligible claimants to use myPATH to file their applications online.
How much can I expect to receive?
A claimant who received the maximum standard rebate of $650 for the 2021 claim year will receive an additional one-time bonus rebate of $455 (70% of the original rebate). Under this example, the claimant will have received a grand total of $1,105 between the standard rebate and one-time bonus rebate.
Qualifying homeowners also may receive a supplemental rebate that will boost their rebate to a maximum of $975. If a claimant received the $975 maximum rebate for the 2021 claim year, their one-time bonus rebate will be $682.50 (70% of the original rebate including the supplemental amount). In this example, the claimant will have received a grand total of $1,657.50 for the 2021 claim year.
When will the bonus rebates start going out?
The Department of Revenue anticipates that checks and direct deposit payments for the one-time bonus rebates will start in early September 2022. The department will work as quickly as possible to ensure the bonus rebates are distributed in a timely manner
How do I check the status of my bonus rebate?
The Department of Revenue will issue letters to 2021 claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program to explain how much they will receive for their one-time bonus rebates. The letters will show the total rebate amount — a grand total that includes the amount of the original rebate for the 2021 claim year plus the amount for the one-time bonus rebate that the claimant will receive.
I have not yet received my original rebate for the 2021 claim year. Will I receive one check or two? How will it work if I elected direct deposit for my rebate?
As of mid-August, if you are a claimant who has already received your original rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2021, you will receive your additional bonus rebate in a one-time payment. The rebate will be delivered through the same method (check or direct deposit) that you elected on your original application form.
As of mid-August, if you are (a) an eligible claimant whose 2021 rebate application is still being processed; or (b) an eligible claimant who has not yet submitted your 2021 rebate application form, you will receive a combined rebate (original + bonus) in a one-time payment. You will receive your combined rebate through the same method you elected on your original application form (check or direct deposit).
What if I already received my original rebate for the 2021 claim year? Is there any action I need to take to secure or apply for my one-time bonus rebate?
No, you are set. The Department of Revenue will automatically calculate your one-time bonus rebate and deliver it to you through the same method that you received your original rebate for the 2021 claim year. No additional application is necessary to receive the one-time bonus rebate.
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