MT. POCONO - March 1 is the deadline for homeowners to file their application for property tax relief through the homestead or farmstead exemption program funded by slot machine gaming revenues.

"If you have already applied for this exemption, there is no need to reapply, but if you have recently moved into the area, or changed addresses, you should check with the Monroe County Assessment Office to see if you need to get the proper paperwork filed by Monday," said Rep. Mario Scavello.

The average property tax relief statewide was $189 last year. This tax relief does not come as a rebate check, but is itemized on homeowners' property tax bills as a reduction in school property tax owed. The Property Tax Relief Fund receives revenue from slot machine gaming taxes. This revenue is distributed to property owners who live in their primary residence, which is designated as a homestead or farmstead.

According to the Monroe County Assessment Office - located at 1 Quaker Plaza, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 - any form postmarked on March 1 will be accepted. To call for assistance, their phone number is (570) 517-3133.

Forms are also available to be printed online on Monroe County's Web site. Application form and instructions are available at: www.co.monroe.pa.us/planning_records/lib/planning_records/assessment/2009_homestead_application.pdf
 
For more information, contact Scavello's Mount Pocono district office at 31 Pocono Boulevard, Mount Pocono, (570) 839-0313. Scavello also has an office in Stroudsburg in the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce Building, 556 Main Street. The phone number is (570) 420-1168.