Pittsburgh, PA – December 1, 2011 – Your Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about Senior Advisory Center, a California based company using a Harrisburg, PA mail drop. The company is sending letters regarding PA’s property tax/rent rebate to older Pennsylvanians. Consumers have contacted the BBB with concerns over the $39 processing fee stated in the letter.
Your BBB believes that the letter from Senior Advisory Center is misleading as consumers can apply for the property tax/rent rebate program for free. Although there is disclosure information included in the letter, many consumers may be confusing Senior Advisory Center with a government agency and feel they must enlist the help of the company to receive their rebate. Senior Advisory Center has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau.
To be eligible for the Pennsylvania property tax/rent rebate, consumers must meet the following criteria:
· Consumers or spouses ages 65 and older, widowers or widows ages 50 and older, or permanently disabled consumers ages 18 or older.
· Household income $35,000 or less (excluding half of the consumers annual social security income.)
Eligible homeowners can receive up to $975 each year and eligible renters can receive up to $650; however the deadline to apply is December 31, 2011.
Consumers can receive property tax/rent rebate applications online or by calling the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue at 1-888-222-9190. Consumers can also contact their local Area Office of Aging should they need assistance filling out the forms.
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