Revised Property Tax Rebate Program Approved In Upper Moreland

UPPER MORELAND, PA — Local school officials have passed a revised tax rebate program for senior citizen homeowners in the community who are widowed and living on a fixed income.

The Upper Moreland Township Board of School Directors recently approved, by unanimous vote, a revision to the property tax rebate program in the community that will offer a discount of up to $500 on annual school real estate tax bills for residents who meet certain criteria.

In order to qualify, residents must have a household income of no more than $35,000 annually and be at least 65 years of age, be a widow or widower aged 50 years of age or older or be permanently disabled and 18 years of age or older.

Upper Moreland residents looking to take advantage of the rebate program, which is based upon the existing Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebate program funded by state lottery proceeds, must qualify, and the district itself is not offering a rent rebate program at this time, according to the school board.

If approved, an applicant can expect to receive a rebate check by mail within 30 days of sending their application to the school district.

The rebate was recently approved unanimously by the Upper Moreland Township School Board for the 2022-23 school year, but the board said it would consider extending the program during next school year's budget process.

Anyone interest in learning more about the program can contact the Upper Moreland Township Business Office at 215-830-1503.

This link also offers additional information for any resident interested in applying for the property tax rebate.

School taxes in Pennsylvania make up larger chunk of homeowners' annual property tax bills.

Some property tax reform advocates throughout the years have attempted to shift the burden of school funding onto other forms of taxation, as the elderly and disabled typically live on a fixed income, yet still have to pay school property taxes.

The rebate program enables those vulnerable members of society the opportunity to get a break on their taxes.

Spotlight PA recently highlighted some problems with the state's property tax rebate program here in this report.