HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration announced a landmark achievement in property tax relief for Pennsylvanians on Monday, certifying a historic $900 million to be distributed statewide through the Department of Education and local school districts. This initiative, unprecedented in scale, is set to alleviate the financial burden on homeowners across the state, marking a significant shift in the approach to managing property taxes.
For years, the Property Tax Relief Fund has consistently provided $750 million in aid. However, the administration’s prudent financial management and robust revenue collection have paved the way for an additional $150 million annually over the next five years. This increase represents a direct response to the needs of homeowners grappling with rising property taxes, offering tangible relief and lower costs.
The funding mechanism, as mandated by Act 1 of 2006, requires school districts to transfer 100 percent of these funds to taxpayers, primarily through the homestead exemption. This method effectively reduces a homeowner’s taxable assessed value, thereby diminishing their overall tax liability. For example, under the homestead exemption, a home assessed at $50,000 with a $5,000 exemption would see taxes calculated on just $45,000, offering a reprieve to the homeowner.
Each school district in Pennsylvania will receive notification of its specific property tax reduction allocation by May 1, 2024. These allocations will be publicly available, ensuring transparency and allowing homeowners to anticipate the relief they can expect.
Governor Shapiro emphasized the importance of this measure, noting the widespread concern over high property taxes among Pennsylvanians he encountered during his travels across the state. “Thanks to our smart, sound fiscal management, we are providing a record amount of property tax relief to millions of homeowners all across our Commonwealth,” Shapiro stated, underscoring his commitment to reducing living costs and enhancing the financial well-being of the state’s residents.
In a related move, the administration also certified $175.6 million to support the expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, targeting seniors and implementing one of the most substantial targeted tax cuts in nearly two decades. This initiative, achieved through bipartisan efforts, further demonstrates the Shapiro administration’s dedication to easing the tax burden on Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations.
This comprehensive approach to property tax relief highlights the administration’s strategic financial planning and commitment to supporting Pennsylvanians through meaningful fiscal policies. By ensuring that additional funds are directly passed on to homeowners, the Shapiro administration is taking concrete steps to alleviate the financial pressures faced by countless families, positioning Pennsylvania as a leader in state-level tax relief efforts.
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