HARRISBURG – State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate property taxes for senior citizens that meet income, residency and age thresholds.
The proposed bill is dubbed “Tax Relief for Aging Pennsylvanians.”
“After talking to senior citizens on fixed incomes throughout our community, it is imperative to help these struggling Pennsylvanians, who should be able to enjoy their golden years,” said Mastriano. “Property taxes continue to skyrocket, and our senior citizens should not have to fear losing their homes. They have already contributed to the Commonwealth’s tax base for decades.”
According to the Pennsylvania State Data Center, PA ranks fifth among the 50 states with its population age 65-plus (2.2 million) and seventh by percentage (17.8 percent).
The legislation would eliminate property taxes imposed by a political subdivision on residents that:
- are age 65 or older,
- are a resident of Pennsylvania for 10 years or more, and
- have an annual household income of $40,000 or less.
Mastriano is also a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 76, the Property Tax Independence Act. The bill would eliminate school property taxes for all citizens, and fund education with other state revenues.
CONTACT: Scot Pitzer (717) 787-4651; spitzer@pasen.gov