We have a warning about a letter you may have received in the mail that promises a tax rebate.  Target 11 Consumer Investigator Robin Taylor found out it's coming from a California company using a Harrisburg mailing address.

It could be misleading, because the return address on the envelope makes it look like the letter is coming from Pennsylvania’s state capitol.  The letter inside looks very official, but it clearly states it’s not from a government agency.

The letter from the Senior Advisory Center says older Pennsylvanians may be eligible for tax rebates.  And that's true, but you don't have to pay the $39 fee to file for a rebate.  You can do that for free with Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

I checked with the Better Business Bureau.  They say the Senior Advisory Center has an "F" rating, because of unanswered complaints.

"The Better Business Bureau wants consumers to realize that this is not a government agency.  It's not a Pennsylvania company either and that they are not required to go thru this company to file for their rebate," said Caitlin Vancas, a spokeswoman for the Pittsburgh Better Business Bureau.

A spokeswoman for the Senior Advisory Center told me they are a legitimate business that is registered with the state of Pennsylvania.  She said they are based in California and are not trying to hide that fact.

“We are legitimate.  The company has been in business for 11 years.  We have specialized in preparing claim forms,” said Diana Mellien, administrative assistant at the Senior Advisory Center.

The Pennsylvania property tax rebate program benefits older Pennsylvanians who make less than $35,000 a year, excluding half of Social Security income.  You have until the end of the year to file for a rebate. 

The Senior Advisory Service provides a service, which is not illegal.  It’s much like washing your car.  You could do it yourself or you could pay for someone else to do it for you.