Can Anyone Help with This TAX Question

Updated on March 14, 2008
S.R. asks from Perryopolis, PA
14 answers

I have been looking every place for an answer to this question on Per-Capita tax. My dad is on SSI (Disability). He got a notice that he owes per-capita tax for the years from 1993-2006. He never got any papers or notices in the last 15 years! I was wondering if even though he is on SSI, does he still have to pay this tax. We are confused. Any help would be great!

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H.F.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I don't know the answer but do know that the IRS has help available over the telephone. I don't know the number offhand. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll get it for you. My brother works for them so I can ask him what the number is.

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L.T.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I just received a notice as well, though it is only for this year. There is a statement on mine that says "You may obtain a copy of the 'taxpayer bill of rights' disclosure statement by contacting the local political subdivision listed hereon." Maybe that document would help answer your questions.

I've never seen one of these forms before and I am wondering if they collect this tax from people who don't pay occupational privilege tax??? We've moved a few times in the past 3 years and we kept receiving tax forms from old taxing districts but not our current one. I straightened everything out and now have this notice. I am a SAHM who does not collect a paycheck. My husband is employed and didn't receive a notice. I'll be curious to read what other responses you receive.

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J.R.

answers from Reading on

Contact your local tax collector. I know my dad is on social security and he does pay it. I believe it is a school tax so you may need to contact that office too. Good luck.
Jen

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I believe the IRS has a toll free tax question line, don't they? Maybe google that. Good luck.

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D.C.

answers from Altoona on

A per Capita Tax is a Head Tax. Everyone has to pay it. You should check with locality who sent you the statement, but I don't believe being on SS has anything to do with it. D.

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K.B.

answers from York on

First off is the local tax office aware that you father is disabled? they might be able to take care if it right there.
K. B

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L.P.

answers from Harrisburg on

This is the tax that is normally collected by your local tax collector. It's a $10/year tax if paid on time (usually $11 if late). Every adult living in Pa has to pay it regardless of what their job,income or age is. There should be an office in the county courthouse that you could call that could help you with this.

L.

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K.B.

answers from Harrisburg on

My husband is also on SSI, along with disability retirement. He is billed every year for percapita taxes too and we pay them. He doesn't get bills for school taxes, since he is retired.
I would advise talking with a state representative about this. I think my mother didn't have to pay taxes the last few years she was alive[she passed away in 2006]. And I somewhat recall she spoke with Merle Phillips, who is a state representative from our county. It might be worth a try.

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J.E.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi S., I work for a CPA so I asked him about the Per-Capita tax. He said you are legally obligated to pay the tax no matter what your finacial situation is and they can collect on past years that have not beens paid. Good luck.
J.

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J.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Yes you still have to pay the per-capita tax, per-capita is a privelege to live in the city you live in type of tax i refer to it as a "head" tax, if you are over 18 you are responsible to pay the per-captia tax no matter what income you have.
Hope this helps.

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K.E.

answers from Reading on

This is a local tax, not federal so the IRS helpline cannot assist. The amount must vary by township as ours is $14.70 per adult if paid early, $15 if paid on time, $17.50 if paid 2 months late. It has absolutely nothing to do with income etc. Best bet would be to call your local tax collector (listed on the bill) and ask if there is any type of forgiveness available for those with disabilities.

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D.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi S.,

If you want to email me off list I may be able to help you out. I am an accountant as well.

Regards,
D.
____@____.com

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A.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

I personally can't answer your question however, my best friend who is local as well is a tax preparer for the IRS who works out of her home in W.T. and is excellent in handling tax questions. If you would like, I can provide her name and number and she can help you from there possibly?

Otherwise, good luck in finding your answer, have a nice day:)

A.

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A.L.

answers from Scranton on

S.,

It looks like you have gotten many different responses. To clear up any confusion - the per capita tax is a flat rate tax that can be assessed by the county, township/municipality and school district that you live in. It is NOT dependent upon your employment status. Some localities have exemptions, but you must contact the tax authority that issued the bill to see if your father qualifies.

In general, when you pay the tax you should always request a receipt by sending a SASE with your payment to the tax collector.

My accounting business is advertised here on Mamasource if you need further help.

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