In November of 1997, Pennsylvania voters approved a change in the Commonwealth constitution to allow a method of real property tax relief, called a homestead exclusion, to be implemented in Pennsylvania. A homestead exclusion provides real property (also known as "real estate" or "property") tax relief to homeowners.
First-time Homestead Exemption applicants and persons applying for the Homestead Assessment Difference (Portability) can file online.
To receive a homestead or farmstead exclusion, a Pennsylvania resident must submit an application to the county assessor. School Districts are responsible for sending out the applications by December 31 of each year. If an application was approved under Act 72, the application is still valid and one need not reapply.
The program's recent expansion became effective on January 16, 2024, when the new claim season opened. The rebate program is open to eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities age 18 and older.
Must be age 60 or older, or, if married, either spouse must be age 60; or be a widow or widower age 50 to 60 years; or permanently disabled and age 18 to 60 years. The applicant must meet the required age by end of the year of application.
You must own the property and live in it as your primary residence to qualify. If you no longer qualify for the Homestead Exemption you must file the change or removal form.
You are 65 years of age, or older, on January 1; You qualify for, and receive, the Florida Homestead Exemption; Your total 'Household Adjusted Gross Income' for everyone who lives on the property cannot exceed statutory limits.
In addition to the proof of Florida residency, you must be residing on the property as your primary residence as of January 1st. Social Security numbers are required for all owners and their spouses making application, even if the spouse does not own and/or reside on the property, per Florida Statute.
Homeowners should contact their county assessment office (position 48) for a copy of their county's homestead and farmstead application form. The March 1 application deadline for property tax relief is set in the Homeowner Tax Relief Act (Section 341 of Act 72 of 2004).