PA Property, Child Tax Credits Increased; Eligibility Expanded In 2024

PENNSYLVANIA - Thousands more Pennsylvanians may be entitled to several financial relief programs in 2024 — even ones they weren't eligible for last year — including expanded programs benefitting homeowners, seniors, parents and adults with disabilities.

Gov. Josh Shapiro joined local lawmakers this week in Cambria County’s Greater Johnstown Community YMCA to tout a slew of changes to the commonwealth’s tax credit and rebate programs, which is expected to put tens of thousands of dollars back into eligible Pennsylvanians’ pockets this year, Shapiro said.

“We’re cutting costs, putting money back in people’s pockets, helping families and seniors get by – and we got this done by working together with Democrats and Republicans,” Shapiro said of the new measures.

Here are the relief programs that will be expanded:

Property Tax Rent Rebate

The expanded Property Tax Rent Rebate program for older adults and people with disabilities serves as the largest targeted tax cut for seniors nearly two decades, Shapiro’s office said.

Access to that program has expanded to nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvanians with the maximum rebate rising from $650 to $1,000 on property taxes and rent paid during 2023. Supplemental rebates provide an additional $190 to $500 in relief to applicants making $30,000 or less in annual income.

The state also raised the income cap for renters and homeowners to $45,000 annually, Shapiro said at the news conference. Applications for the program are due by June 30, 2024.

You can check your eligibility and apply for the Property Tax Rent Rebate program at www.pa.gov/PTRR.

“Too many seniors were faced with losing their homes because of property tax increases,” Rep. Frank Burns said in a statement. “By expanding the program, more seniors in our community will be able stay in the comfort of their homes. My office is available to assist in applying for the program.”

Child Care Credit Increases

The maximum state child care credit also increased from $630 to $2,100 this year, with Pennsylvania’s child care credit now equal to 100 percent of the federal credit, according to legislation Shapiro signed last month. The previous law on the books mandated only a 30 percent match of the federal credit, per Shapiro’s office.

More than 200,000 Pennsylvanians are eligible to benefit for the program, the governor said.

To be eligible, households must have incurred expenses for a dependent child under 13 years old or an individual who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care. You can check your eligibility and apply for the Childcare Tax Credit at pa.gov/childcaretaxcredit.