The annual household eligibility limit for the Pocono Mountain School District Property Tax Rebate program has increased from $15,000 to $35,000, and maximum rebates increased from $500 to $650 for eligible property owners in Pocono Mountain School District.

Eligibility requirements for the Property Tax Rebate Program are as follows:

• must have owned and occupied a residence in Pocono Mountain School District for 2007;
• 2007 school property taxes must be paid in full to receive a rebate;
• property owner or spouse must be at least 65 years old as of Dec. 31, 2007;
• one exception to the age requirement of 65 is for property owners who were widows or widowers during all or part of 2007, and at least 50 years old or older as of Dec. 31, 2007
• the second exception to the age requirement of 65 is for property owners who were permanently disabled during part or all of 2007, and 18 years old or older during 2007
• individuals who meet the above age eligibility criteria who have a total household income for 2007 of $35,000 or less; 50 percent of Social Security or railroad retirement income can be deducted when calculating total household income.

The Pocono Mountain School District Property Tax Rebate program is separate and in addition to the Pennsylvania Property Tax Rebate program, so property owners who qualified for a rebate from the state and meet the above criteria should ensure they also apply for the District property tax rebate. 

The District has budgeted $300,000 for this program in the 2008-2009 preliminary general fund budget.  In 2006, 408 property owners applied and qualified for rebates.  The District paid $148,250 in rebates.  The average rebate was $363.

For more information on how to apply for the Property Tax Rebate Program, please go to the District Web Site at www.pmsd.org, select About Our District from left side menu, select Community from drop down menu, select Property Tax Rebate, or call Joe Matz at  (570) 839-7121, ext. 60346.