Dear Editor:

A reminder to the people who are homeowners over age 65, widows from age 50 to 64, as of Dec. 31, 2010 or disabled persons receiving Social Security: you may qualify for the refund under the PA Property Tax Rebate Program, paid for through the PA Lottery Program.The deadline to file for the 2010 Property Tax Refund is June 30, 2011, and the refund checks are mailed out to qualified residents during the first two weeks of July. The maximum refund under this program is $650.In addition, to qualify for the refund, total household income must be below $35,000 for 2010 including: 1/2 of your 2010 Social Security and 100 percent of other income (pensions, earnings, interest, dividends, etc.)You will be required to submit copies of your income statements for 2010 (pensions, earnings, etc.) as well as your 2010 property tax receipts that have been stamped "PAID" by your tax collector for the school tax, county tax, borough or township tax. You must prove your income and prove your property taxes for 2010 have been paid. These copies will be mailed to the refund program along with your 2010 application.If you did not receive a refund last year, you may order an application by calling the State Program at 1 (800) 728-2937. Wait for the questions on this automated line. Press 1 to identify that you are calling on a touch-tone phone and then you will be asked to Press 1 to identify that you are calling to order a tax form. You are requesting the 2010 Property Tax Refund Form. You will then be asked to say and spell your name and address and give your phone number. You should receive the application within two weeks. Anyone receiving a refund last year will then automatically receive their application from the state. This refund program also provides a refund for Renters; however, by using the same 1/2 of your Social Security, and 100 percent of all other income, the total income for the year to qualify is $15,000. Feel free to call me with any questions.Sincerely,Louise Calvin617 Franklin Avenue, Palmerton, Pa. 18071(610) 826-3396