Housing (Renters · Seniors)

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to change the deadline for senior citizens to apply for property tax and rent rebates. Under the new rules, eligible individuals must file their claims by December 31 of the year following the tax year, replacing the previous June 30 cutoff. The legislation also removes the requirement that late-filed claims be accepted only if funds are available, allowing the state to process applications submitted after the deadline. These changes directly affect elderly Pennsylvanians seeking financial assistance and streamline the administrative process for the state department handling these claims.

HB 2202 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to adjust how senior citizens calculate household income for property tax and rent rebates. It changes the definition of "household income" to allow seniors to subtract annual utility expenses (water, sewer, electric, natural gas) from their income when applying. The bill also requires applicants to submit copies of their utility bills as part of their rebate claim. This directly affects Pennsylvania seniors who claim property tax or rent rebates under the Taxpayer Relief Act. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.