According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, everyone making more than $33 a year must file a Pennsylvania income tax return. However, Pennsylvania also has a law which provides up to 100% tax forgiveness for low-income citizens. As a result, many seniors who have taxable income over $33 are being required to file a state tax return even though they have no final tax payment since they qualify for 100% tax forgiveness. 
 
My legislation would make it unnecessary for seniors aged 65 or older to file a tax return if they are eligible to receive 100% tax forgiveness. Based on current income eligibility criteria for the Tax Forgiveness Program at 100%, seniors would not be required to file a tax return if their taxable income is less than $6,500 individually or $13,000 if married. 
 
Seniors are pillars in our communities and many live on fixed incomes. They should not be required to incur unnecessary expenses associated with the preparation and filing of a state tax return when they already qualify for full tax forgiveness. 
 
Please join me in helping to relieve our seniors from the burden of filing an unnecessary tax return.