Senior, Veteran and Disability Property Tax Relief in Pennsylvania
Property tax exemptions, freezes and credits in Pennsylvania for seniors, disabled veterans and people with disabilities.
Short answer: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: homeowners and renters age 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 and older with household income of $48,110 or less may receive a rebate of up to $1,000 (standard maximum, for income of $0 to $8,550). Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
| Senior exemptions and freezes | Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: homeowners and renters age 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 and older with household income of $48,110 or less may receive a rebate of up to $1,000 (standard maximum, for income of $0 to $8,550). Supplemental rebates, raising the total up to $1,500, are calculated automatically for homeowners with income of $32,070 or less whose property taxes exceed 15% of income, and for certain residents of Philadelphia, Scranton or Pittsburgh. Apply online through myPATH, by mail or in person; a new application is required every year. The deadline for applications for 2025 rebates is December 31, 2026. |
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| Veteran exemptions | Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption: a Pennsylvania resident with an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge who served during a period of war (as determined by the VA), and who has a VA-rated 100% permanent service-connected disability, total disability individual unemployability, or service-connected blindness, paraplegia, or loss of two or more limbs, may have the principal dwelling exempted from real estate taxes. The property must be owned solely by the veteran, jointly with a spouse, or by the entireties. Financial need is required: effective January 1, 2025, applicants with annual income of $114,637 or less are presumed to have need; above that, need is shown when allowable monthly expenses exceed monthly household income. Surviving spouses are covered. Apply through the County Director of Veterans Affairs. |
| Disability exemptions | People with disabilities age 18 and older with household income of $48,110 or less are eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (up to $1,000 standard rebate; supplemental rebates for some homeowners). |
| Other relief (credits, deferrals, circuit breakers) | The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program covers both homeowners and renters who meet the age, disability or widow(er) and income tests. Homeowners in each school district may also receive the homestead/farmstead exclusion funded by state property tax reduction allocations. DCED: https://dced.pa.gov/local-government/property-tax-relief-homestead-exclusion/ |
More Pennsylvania property tax & homestead exemptions
- The Homestead Exemption in Pennsylvania
- Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania property tax & homestead exemptions rules
FAQ
Do seniors get a property tax exemption in Pennsylvania?
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program: homeowners and renters age 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 and older with household income of $48,110 or less may receive a rebate of up to $1,000 (standard maximum, for income of $0 to $8,550). Supplemental rebates, raising the total up to $1,500, are calculated automatically for homeowners with income of $32,070 or less whose property taxes exceed 15% of income, and for certain residents of Philadelphia, Scranton or Pittsburgh. Apply online through myPATH, by mail or in person; a new application is required every year. The deadline for applications for 2025 rebates is December 31, 2026.
Do disabled veterans pay property tax in Pennsylvania?
Disabled Veterans' Real Estate Tax Exemption: a Pennsylvania resident with an honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge who served during a period of war (as determined by the VA), and who has a VA-rated 100% permanent service-connected disability, total disability individual unemployability, or service-connected blindness, paraplegia, or loss of two or more limbs, may have the principal dwelling exempted from real estate taxes. The property must be owned solely by the veteran, jointly with a spouse, or by the entireties. Financial need is required: effective January 1, 2025, applicants with annual income of $114,637 or less are presumed to have need; above that, need is shown when allowable monthly expenses exceed monthly household income. Surviving spouses are covered. Apply through the County Director of Veterans Affairs.
Is there a property tax exemption for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania?
People with disabilities age 18 and older with household income of $48,110 or less are eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program (up to $1,000 standard rebate; supplemental rebates for some homeowners).
What property tax relief programs does Pennsylvania offer?
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program covers both homeowners and renters who meet the age, disability or widow(er) and income tests. Homeowners in each school district may also receive the homestead/farmstead exclusion funded by state property tax reduction allocations.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.