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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Local seniors may still be eligible for Property Tax/Rent Rebates While the state Department of Revenue has already issued more than half a million Property Tax/Rent Rebates through the expanded program this year, it is estimating that there are still 200,000 eligible Pennsylvanians who have not applied. The rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, and those with disabilities who are age 18 or older. Homeowners with incomes up to $35,000 and renters with incomes up to $15,000 are eligible. All applicants may exclude half of Social Security and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits when calculating their income. With the December 31 deadline rapidly approaching, the Department estimates that there are about 2,800 individuals in Lancaster County and another 1,800 in Chester County who are eligible for the rebates but have not yet applied. You can pick up a Property Tax/Rent Rebate from at the district office at 301 E. Main Street, Lititz, or call the office at 627-0036, or toll-free 1-866-738-1601, to have one mailed to you. In addition, my staff is always ready to answer your questions or provide assistance in completing your rebate form. REAP tax credit applications available As of December 3, Pennsylvania farmers and businesses can begin applying for tax credits under the new PA Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. As part of the 2007-2008 state budget, the General Assembly approved $10 million to provide transferable tax credits to those who implement on-the-ground agricultural conservation projects. These projects include best management practices such as barnyard and livestock concentration area renovations, riparian forest buffers and streambank fencing, and voluntary nutrient management plans. Farmers whose income limits their ability to take advantage of the tax credit may sell the credit to an individual or business in need of a tax break. In addition, a business can sponsor the installation of the project and claim the tax credit directly, creating effective financial partnerships among farmers and landowners. Applications, along with additional information and guidelines for the REAP program, will be available at www.agriculture.state.pa.us. Applications will be accepted by the State Conservation Commission on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 2, 2008, until the $10 million program cap has been committed to eligible projects. The REAP program is a wonderful opportunity to improve state water quality by cleaning up miles of impaired streams, with the end results ultimately benefitting everyone. Attorney General offers charitable giving tips for holidays The state Attorney General's office has released a list of guidelines and tips for Pennsylvanians to follow to avoid becoming victims of fraud this holiday season. The excitement of the holidays can cause consumers to rush into hasty decisions, particularly when they are solicited for donations to charitable causes. The Attorney General suggests donating only to charities with which you are familiar and whose activities you support, and to ask for additional information in writing about charitable programs. Also, watch out for organizations using names that closely resemble respected charities, ask door-to-door solicitors to show their identification or credentials, and only write checks to the charity, not to the company or person collecting the money. More information about charitable organizations is available at the Department of State's web site at www.dos.state.pa.us/char/site/default.asp. Donating to charities can be a wonderful way to spread the holiday spirit, and with a little caution, you can ensure that your contribution is being used effectively to make someone's season a little happier.
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