The Pennsylvania Lottery and games has funded the Property/Rent Tax Rebate Program, through which Pennsylvania homeowners and renters can apply for a discount on property taxes or rent paid during the past year. The rebates range from $380 to $1,000, depending on income, and are aimed at seniors and individuals with disabilities over 18 years old. This assistance comes before property taxes for 2026 take effect, which have increased by 30% nationwide between 2019 and 2024, according to the Institute for Tax and Economic Policy. Specifically in Pennsylvania, these taxes are above the national average, with an annual average of $7,045.
Property taxes
Property taxes are those that the owner of a property must pay to the county in which they reside. The amount of these taxes depends on many factors, the most important being the location and the value of the house or land.
Right at a moment of outrage over proposals from several counties to raise property taxes in 2026, in the state of Pennsylvania, some of its residents will be able to apply for tax discounts. This will be possible thanks to the Property/Rent Tax Refund Program, funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and games. Through this program, residents have until December 31 to apply for discounts on property or rent taxes paid during the previous year. This is the result of the approval of an extension for tenant homeowners to have more time to claim this financial relief.
According to the Institute for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the entire country has been affected by the increase in property taxes since the pandemic, with a 30% increase nationally between 2019 and 2024. Specifically in the state of Pennsylvania, the average annual tax is well above the national average, reaching $7,045 with an average tax rate of 1,409%.
Who is this program aimed at?
The eligibility for this program, aimed at homeowners and renters in Pennsylvania, requires that the applicant be:
- Over 65 years old.
- Widows and widowers 50 years or older.
- Individuals with disabilities 18 years or older.
- Annual household income must be $46,520 or less.
How much can I receive?
The maximum refund amount for this program is $1,000, which varies depending on the applicant’s income. Based on your income, here are the corresponding amounts you may receive:
- $0 – $8,270: $1,000.
- $8,271 – $15,510: $770.
- $15,511 – $18,610: $460.
- $18,611 – $46,520: $380.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Property/Rent Tax Rebate Program and who funds it?
The Property/Rent Tax Rebate Program is an initiative in Pennsylvania that allows eligible homeowners and renters to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent they paid during the previous year.
What is the range of the refund amount and what does it depend on?
Refunds range from $380 to $1,000. The exact amount that can be received depends directly on the applicant’s income level. For example, lower incomes ($0 to $8,270) qualify for the maximum refund of $1,000.
What is the deadline to apply for the tax credit under this program?
Residents have until December 31 to submit their application and receive discounts on property taxes or rent paid during the previous year.