STOUT NOTES OVER 60 PERCENT OF WASHINGTON RESIDENTS HAVE APPLIED FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

HARRISBURG, February 22, 2005 - Approximately 63 percent of Washington County residents have taken the essential first step in getting property tax relief, said state Sen. J. Barry Stout today.

“Homeowners who haven’t yet returned their homestead exemption application to the county tax assessor have until March 1,” said Stout (D-Washington). “In this case, they would be a day late and perhaps $500 or more short.”

An informal phone survey conducted last week of the state’s tax assessors found that response rates ranged widely among the counties, with Delaware County at 38 percent and Lycoming County at 93 percent. Gov. Rendell’s administration has estimated statewide participation at 60 percent.

“This response shows that the majority of Washington County residents have signed on and property tax relief is on the way for them,” said Stout. “The form takes a matter of minutes - there is no excuse why anyone should miss out.”

Under Act 72 of 2004, all owner-occupied homes and farmsteads are eligible for property tax relief, but residents must file a homestead/farmstead exemption to qualify. School districts mailed two copies of this document to homes last year, and individuals can download a copy of the application at www.senatorstout.com.

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