Auditor General Jack Wagner Reminds Pa. Homeowners That March 1 is Deadline for Property Tax Relief

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Auditor General Jack Wagner today reminded Pennsylvania homeowners that March 1 is the deadline to apply for property tax relief they are entitled to from legalized gambling revenues.

Wagner said that essentially all Pennsylvania homeowners who reside in their home as their permanent primary residence are eligible for property tax relief, regardless of age or income, through a reduction in their school tax bill. Tens of thousands of homeowners have still not applied for property tax relief related to gaming revenues. Homeowners who applied in prior years and have been receiving the reductions typically do not need to reapply unless notified by their local tax assessment offices.

To assist homeowners, Wagner has made available on the Department of Auditor General's website www.auditorgen.state.pa.us, a link to county-by-county resources with contact phone numbers, tips and other resources to assist eligible homeowners in obtaining property tax relief.

"In these tough economic times, every bit of financial assistance that government has established to help its taxpayers should be publicized so that taxpayers can benefit," Wagner said.

As of May 2011, it was estimated that more than 2 million homeowners were approved for a reduction in their property tax bill. In the 2010-11 fiscal year, $797 million in state tax revenue was generated for property tax relief by slots at Pennsylvania casinos. Last year, reductions in school taxes from property tax relief ranged from approximately $53 to $528 for each approved homeowner.  With additional gaming facilities in operation, more revenue is available for property tax relief.

Wagner first highlighted this issue in a 2010 special report, which noted several deficiencies in the administration of the tax relief program including a complicated, fragmented and cumbersome application process that discouraged participation. His 2010 report noted that potentially hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania homeowners had not received the tax relief they were entitled, in part, because they were not aware of their eligibility.  Many property owners have since applied, while others still are not receiving this benefit, Wagner said. 

Slots casino gambling was legalized in 2004 in order to reduce property taxes, create jobs, and revitalize the commonwealth's horse-racing industry. Wagner said that when the push for legalized gambling was made in Pennsylvania, it was repeatedly touted that every homeowner would get property tax relief.

"It's important for homeowners to know that property tax relief is not automatic for those who have never applied," Wagner said. "In order for homeowners to obtain the promised property tax relief, they must apply for it. I urge all homeowners, if they have not already done so, to take advantage of this important program prior to the March 1st deadline." 

For those seeking further assistance in obtaining property tax relief from legalized gambling revenues, taxpayers can contact the Auditor General's Taxpayer Advocate at 1-800-922-8477.

Auditor General Jack Wagner is responsible for ensuring that all state money is spent legally and properly.  He is the commonwealth's elected independent fiscal watchdog, conducting financial audits, performance audits and special investigations.  The Department of the Auditor General conducts thousands of audits each year.  To learn more about the Department of the Auditor General, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the department's website at www.auditorgen.state.pa.us.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General