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Expansion of Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Provides Relief for Seniors in the Lehigh Valley

An expansion to the stateÔÇÖs Property Tax/Rent Rebate program could provide well-timed relief for thousands of seniors in the Lehigh Valley, with several municipalities looking to raise taxes or fees in 2024. The legislation, which Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed into law in mid-August, ÔÇ£delivers the largest targeted tax cut for Pennsylvania seniors in nearly two decades,ÔÇØ according to the state Department of Revenue. About 175,000 residents throughout the state will qualify for rebates on their property taxes and rent bills for the first time in 2024. This number includes about 4,500 people in Lehigh County and 3,700 in Northampton County, according to the governorÔÇÖs office.

Many of the 430,000 people in Pennsylvania who previously qualified will be eligible for larger rebates, officials said. The Department of Revenue is raising its income limits for rebates, with the cap for homeowners climbing from $35,000 to $45,000. Senior renters who make up to $45,000 may also qualify for rebates, a significant increase from the previous limit of $15,000. Additionally, income limits will be tied to cost-of-living adjustments, ensuring that those who receive a rebate wonÔÇÖt lose their eligibility in the future due to no fault of their own, officials said.

The maximum standard rebate is set to increase from $650 to $1,000 after the recent expansion, providing seniors with an even greater financial relief. The Department of Revenue is expected to start accepting applications in mid-January for rebates on property taxes and rent seniors paid in 2023. PennsylvaniaÔÇÖs Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits residents 65 and older; widows and widowers 50 and older; and adults with disabilities.

Officials in the Lehigh ValleyÔÇÖs two biggest cities are mulling over tax increases in 2024, while water fees are due to climb in municipalities across Lehigh County next year. Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds is asking council to approve a 2.6% property tax hike, and the city is also facing an 8% jump in sewer fees. Meanwhile, Allentown officials are in a standoff over Mayor Matt TuerkÔÇÖs latest 2% tax-increase proposal, with a majority of council members holding firm against raising taxes. Both Allentown and Bethlehem Township could also be hit with higher sewer rates.

AI legalese decoder Resources for Seniors

Amid budget negotiations and votes on a proposed tax increase on Nov. 15, Allentown City Council member Santo Napoli urged seniors to take advantage of the expanded rebates. He empathized with the seniors, explaining the programÔÇÖs changes to residents in the council chambers and highlighting the available resources for seniors who are struggling. The AI legalese decoder can be extremely helpful in this situation by providing comprehensive and easy-to-understand information about the eligibility requirements, application process, and how to maximize rebates for seniors in the Lehigh Valley. By decoding complex legal language and breaking down the details of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, the AI legalese decoder can empower seniors to access the financial relief they need during times of potential tax increases and rising fees.

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