October 6, 2023
DOR Streamlines Tax Exemption Process Following Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order Directing Agencies to Review Licensing, Permitting, and Certification Processes; Previously Only Paper Applications Were Available
Harrisburg, PA − October 6, 2023 − There is a new online filing option available for non-profits, such as charitable and volunteer organizations, to apply for and renew a Pennsylvania sales tax exemption. The Department of Revenue recently launched this online application on myPATH to deliver a new, streamlined tool for its customers.
The successful completion of this project comes after Governor Josh Shapiro earlier this year signed an executive order that called on Commonwealth agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of their application processes. The purpose of the Governor’s executive order is to improve the Commonwealth’s licensing, permitting, and certification processes for all Pennsylvania workers and businesses.
“We are proud to play a part in carrying out Governor Shapiro’s vision of offering services that are more efficient and effective for the people we serve,” Revenue Secretary Pat Browne said. “Providing a new online application for sales tax exemptions gives non-profit organizations a streamlined process to secure their exemption certificates as quickly as possible and renew their exemptions when they need to.”
The sales tax exemption allows institutions of purely public charity to avoid paying Pennsylvania’s 6 percent sales tax on purchases made on behalf of the institution’s charitable purpose.
Prior to the launch of the online application, non-profit organizations were required to submit a paper application form (called the REV-72). The paper-based process resulted in a lengthy turnaround time, due in part to the volume of applications that were received and the detailed supporting documentation that was required to verify each organization’s non-profit status. The paper-based process often resulted in incomplete applications, which required the Department to request additional information from the applicants. As a result, processing was often delayed as the Department waited to receive this information.
“Now that all of the information can be uploaded online, we have a more efficient application process that also allows non-profit organizations to view the status of their applications in real time,” Secretary Browne said. “This is exactly the kind of improvement that Governor Shapiro is looking for to provide the customer service that everyone in Pennsylvania can count on.”
myPATH a Resource for Customers
The online sales tax exemption application is the latest customer service option to be added to myPATH, the online tax system the Department of Revenue launched in recent years to offer improved online services for its customers. The system is now the online destination where Pennsylvania taxpayers can manage the vast majority of their state tax obligations, whether it’s filing tax returns, making payments, or managing their accounts.
Under the leadership of Secretary Browne, the Department of Revenue also has delivered for its customers during the most recent tax season. To date, the agency has processed more than 6.1 million personal income tax returns and 1.5 million income tax refund requests totaling $338 million. Additionally, the agency has processed more than 359,000 rebate applications for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, helping older Pennsylvanians and others with disabilities secure nearly $162 million in rebates on property taxes and rent paid during 2022.
Meanwhile, the Department recently made progress in decreasing the average wait time while also increasing the volume of calls answered for people who call the agency’s main call center.
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May 16, 2023
Scranton, PA – May 16, 2023 – Today, Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) announced a total of $7,074,726 in grants awarded to 52 projects in the 22nd Senatorial District.
“I’m thrilled to support the many projects receiving funding in Luzerne and Lackawanna County,” said Senator Flynn. “I’m proud to see these important projects receive the funding we fought so hard for. This funding will not only increase public safety through investments in local law enforcement and emergency services, but it will also help create and sustain thriving communities for the residents of the 22nd District by infusing funds directly into where we live, work and play.”
The Local Share Account was developed from PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act funds, which are distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the purpose of providing support for projects in the public interest.
The following grants, totaling $4,972,629, were awarded in Luzerne County:
- $440,781 awarded to Avoca Borough for an emergency rescue truck
- $45,825 awarded to Dupont Borough for Dupont Community Park Restoration
- $100,000 awarded to Dupont Borough for a maintenance garage
- $30,000 awarded to Dupont Borough for assorted computer upgrades
- $15,000 awarded to Dupont Borough for a Veteran Monument
- $114,045 awarded to Duryea Borough for the Germania Remodel Project
- $116,200 awarded to Hughestown Borough for the 2022 Salt Shed Project
- $123,704 awarded to Hughestown Borough for an equipment purchase project
- $103,140 awarded to Jenkins Township for the purchase of two police vehicles
- $67,910 awarded to Jenkins Township for firefighter turnout gear
- $365,000 awarded to Jenkins Township for the Street Paving Project
- $77,103 awarded to Laflin Borough for the purchase of a work truck
- $225,340 awarded to Laflin Borough for stormwater improvements
- $17,435 awarded to Laflin Borough for Storz Fire Hydrant Adapters
- $94,157 awarded to Laurel Run Borough for the purchase of public safety equipment
- $100,000 awarded to Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority for the Pittston YMCA childcare expansion and facility modernization
- $500,000 awarded to Pittston City for the construction of an 80,000 square foot development project
- $295,000 awarded to Pittston Township for the Emergency Services Upgrade Project
- $265,385 awarded to Plains Township for the East Mountain Boulevard Roadway Improvements & Paving Project
- $162,275 awarded to Plains Township for the Plains Township COSTAR New DPW Garbage Packer Project
- $115,000 awarded to West Pittston Borough for the West Pittston Borough 2022 Municipal Building Renovations Project
- $250,000 awarded to West Pittston Borough for the Wyoming Area Regional Police Force Building Renovation Project
- $215,000 awarded to Wilkes-Barre Township for HVAC Replacement & Upgrades
- $157,075 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for the Bucket Truck Project
- $78,561 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for the Department of Public Works Skid Steer
- $264,000 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority (LCFPA) Flood Protection Equipment Project
- $250,000 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for Volunteers of America Pennsylvania (VOAPA) Housing – Phase II
- $250,000 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA Multi-Purpose Room Transformation Project
- $134,684 awarded to Yatesville Borough for the 2022 Yatesville Borough Basketball Court Improvement Project
The following grants, totaling $2,102,106, were awarded in Lackawanna County:
- $35,410 awarded to Dalton Borough for a RAM 2500 Public Works Truck
- $64,400 awarded to Dunmore Borough for parking meters
- $120,000 awarded to Dunmore Borough for VFW roof replacement/kitchen repairs
- $130,000 awarded to Glenburn Township for Glenburn Township DPW Building Phase I
- $62,842 awarded to Lackawanna County for roof repair and replacement at the 20th Ward Social Club
- $17,224 awarded to Lackawanna County for Connell Park Little League Field and Concession Equipment
- $90,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for the Dunmore Missy League Field Lighting Project
- $121,542 awarded to Lackawanna County for Eagle McClure Fire Dept. HVAC Replacement Facility Improvements
- $140,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for the Friendship House Building Renovation Project
- $70,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for Hillside Park Boundless Playground Resurfacing
- $100,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for the Old Forge Lions Little League – Renovation Project
- $27,500 awarded to Lackawanna County for Scranton Veterans Memorial Stadium Fund
- $57,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for the Tripp Park Miss-E League Improvement Project
- $190,537 awarded to Lackawanna County for the West Scranton Alumni Wrestling Association
- $35,139 awarded to Moosic Borough for Moosic Youth Center – Roof Replacement
- $100,000 awarded to Scranton City for Billy Barrett Park Rehabilitation
- $11,000 awarded to Scranton City for Farmers Market – Security & Facilities Upgrades
- $100,000 awarded to Scranton City for the NeighborWorks – Clover Field Park Improvement Plan
- $100,000 awarded to Scranton City for Playground Makeover with ADA Complaint Pathways
- $117,431 awarded to Scranton City for a SAF Century Club Upgrade
- $100,400 awarded to Scranton City for Scranton Workforce Housing
- $261,681 awarded to Scranton City for Streetscape and Historic Improvements
- $50,000 awarded to Taylor Borough for Taylor DPW Maintenance Garage Upgrades
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January 11, 2023
SCRANTON, PA – January 11, 2023 – State Senator Marty Flynn has partnered with MyCIL, a Scranton based non-profit that supports independent living for those with disabilities, to provide disability related information and resources for community members in the 22nd district.
“People with disabilities in both Lackawanna and Luzerne counties have access to many resources, organizations, and individuals who want to support them,” said Sen. Flynn. “I’m proud to partner with MyCIL to make information and those resources more readily available to anyone who can benefit. Help is out there. My hope is that this partnership will make that help easier to access.”
Starting January 18th, a representative from MyCIL will take appointments with individuals and families in Senator Flynn’s office, located at 409 N. Main Avenue, Scranton. During appointments, MyCIL representatives can discuss services to promote greater independence, including obtaining home & community-based services, transportation, and housing.
Appointments will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Residents interested in scheduling an appointment can contact Senator Flynn’s office at 570-207-2881.
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January 6, 2023
HARRISBURG, PA – January 6, 2023 – Today, Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) announced his reappointment as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Senator Flynn will also serve on the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure, Labor & Industry, and Law & Justice Committees.
The Senate Transportation Committee provides oversight of all operations related to the Commonwealth’s multimodal transportation system, including legislation and policy on roads and bridges, public transportation, railroads, airports, and ports.
“It’s a privilege to serve as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee,” said Senator Flynn. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that Pennsylvania has a modern, safe, and efficient transportation system that meets the needs of the Commonwealth.”
Since being named chair of the Senate Transportation Committee during the previous legislative session, Senator Flynn has been a leader in the transportation arena, focusing primarily on the more than $100 million in Turnpike tolls that have gone uncollected. Moving forward, his legislative priorities include finding alternative and sustainable methods to fund road and bridge repairs. For more information about the Senate Transportation Committee, click here.
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November 28, 2022
SCRANTON, PA – November 28, 2022 – Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) will be sponsoring a Health Care Enrollment Event on Wednesday, November 30th at 5:30PM at the Taylor Community Library.
A representative from Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health care marketplace will be on-hand to provide an overview of the marketplace and to answer audience questions. Certified representatives from Pennie will be in attendance to assist those who wish to enroll on the spot.
Attendees planning to enroll should bring a photo ID, their last four weeks of pay stubs, most recent tax return(s), and immigration documents, if applicable.
Pennie is in open enrollment now until January 15, 2023. Pennie is the official online marketplace made possible by the State of Pennsylvania and the top private insurance companies to provide affordable, high-quality health insurance plans to Pennsylvanians.
The Taylor Community Library is located at 710 South Main Street, Taylor, PA 18517. The event will also be livestreamed at www.Facebook.com/SenatorMartyFlynn.
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