Did you file for the Homestead Rebate or Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief programs?

RESIDENTS  SHOULD APPLY FOR TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS BEFORE OCT. 31 DEADLINE    DEADLINE EXTENDED ONE WEEK!

Senior citizens and homeowners should remember that they  have until the end of the month to apply for the state’s Homestead Benefit and Senior Freeze property tax relief programs, according to a news release sent out by Senator Joseph F. Vitale, Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski and Assemblyman Craig J. Coughlin.

“For New Jersey families who are facing unemployment, underemployment or are operating on a fixed income, the task of making ends meet every month may seem increasingly daunting,” said Vitale (D-Middlesex).  “Fortunately, programs like the Homestead Benefit and the Senior Freeze can take help take some of the pressure off, but to receive the benefit, homeowners must apply.” The final deadline for applying is Monday, October 31. 

            “The Homestead Benefit and the Senior Freeze program exist to help residents bear the burden of our state’s high property taxes,” said Wisniewski (D-Middlesex).  “Even if a homeowner hasn’t qualified in the past, we’re encouraging them to apply again, before the end of the month deadline, so that they have every opportunity to receive property tax relief.”

            The average Senior Freeze check is approximately $1,200.

            To be eligible for the Senior Freeze Program a person must be over the age of 65, have lived in New Jersey for at least 10 years and earned less than $70,000 for both calendar years 2009 and 2010. Eligible homeowners may apply online at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ until Oct. 31, or by phone (1-877-658-2972) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Applicants can call the Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline at 1-800-882-6597 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays to request an application, speak to a taxation representative for assistance and get information on the status of their reimbursement checks if they have already filed.

       “Eligible residents can contact our offices...,” suggested Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “In some instances, the Department of Treasury will mail applications to residents and that could take five to seven business days.” 

            To be eligible for the Homestead Benefit Program a person must have owned and occupied their home since at least October 1, 2010. In addition, during calendar year 2010, applicants under the age of 65 cannot have made more than $75,000 and applicants over the age of 65 cannot have made more than $150,000. For an application or assistance, residents can call the Homestead Benefit Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.