Home Around The Region Expanded Program Offers Help with Tax Returns Across Pennsylvania

Expanded Program Offers Help with Tax Returns Across Pennsylvania

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 20242 Mins read26

HARRISBURG- Representatives from the Department of Revenue (DOR) will visit senior and community centers all across the Commonwealth over the next several weeks to help Pennsylvanians who need help filing their Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program applications.

This additional in-person assistance is being offered in part to help Pennsylvanians who are newly eligible for the PTRR program following Governor Josh Shapiro’s work to expand the program for the first time since 2006. DOR representatives stationed at these centers will also be able to help Pennsylvanians file their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns (PA-40s) now that tax season is underway.

The Department also recently announced a lookup tool on its website to help PTRR applicants find in-person assistance at a location near them by entering a zip code. These locations include Department of Revenue district offices, Area Agencies on Aging, and state legislators’ offices. It is encouraged to email or call ahead to schedule an appointment.

“We know from our experience that many of our fellow Pennsylvanians benefit from having a face-to-face conversation with one of our experienced representatives who can help guide them through the PTRR filing process,” Revenue Secretary Pat Browne said. “We have been working hard this year to increase the number of locations and in-person opportunities for seniors to receive the help they need, whether that is for a rebate claim or assistance with a state tax return. This assistance is especially needed now that there are nearly 175,000 people newly eligible for a rebate under the PTRR program thanks to Governor Shapiro’s work.”

Department of Revenue staff will be available at the locations listed below by county throughout March, and additional dates and times are scheduled for the coming months. Inclement weather may impact this schedule, and it could be subject to change.

A complete up-to-date listing by county is available online with the latest information. It is encouraged to call ahead to verify availability and to make an appointment.

DOR has received more than 84,000 PTRR applications so far in 2024, nearly double the number of applications the Department received at this same time last year. If Pennsylvanians have already applied and received outreach from DOR requesting additional information to complete their application, they are encouraged to respond with that information as soon as possible. This will ensure they receive their rebate in a timely manner.

What Should You Bring with You?

Applicants who need assistance with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application (PA-1000) should check the eligibility guidelines on the PTRR Program. The new claim season for the recent expansion of the PTRR program opened on January 16, 2024. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older.

Taxpayers who need assistance with the Pennsylvania personal income tax return (PA-40) should bring their tax information/income statements, a photo identification card (driver’s license, etc.), and Social Security cards for themselves and their dependents. As a reminder, all taxpayers who received more than $33 in total gross taxable income in calendar year 2023 must file a Pennsylvania personal income tax return by midnight, Monday, April 15, 2024.