Do you Qualify for the Senior Freeze Property TaxReimbursement Program?

 I just got this email from Assemblyman Wisniewski's office.  They wanted me to share it with you, because they want to make sure everyone eligible for this program knows about it, and knows how to apply.  If you have any questions, you should call the Assemblyman's office at (732) 432-8460.

Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Deadline Approaching

Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski is reaching out to senior citizens and disabled residents to notify them that applications for the 2011 Senior Freeze property tax program should have arrived in the mail from the New Jersey Division of Taxation. The Senior Freeze program reimburses eligible participants for property tax increases that occur once they are successfully registered with the program. The deadline for filing program applications is June 1, 2012.

“The Senior Freeze program provides eligible participants with relief from ever escalating property taxes,” said Assemblyman Wisniewski. “For many participants, the assistance provided by the program allows them to stay in their home rather than having to sell it.”

Each year, the New Jersey Division of Taxation automatically mails applications for the Senior Freeze program’s property tax reimbursement to residents who may be eligible to participate in the program. Many eligible participants, however, may not have received the paperwork and will have to request the program’s forms in time to file the application by the program deadline.

To be eligible for the Senior Freeze program, applicants must have been 65 years or older by December 31, 2010 OR have been receiving federal Social Security disability benefits as of December 31, 2010 AND December 31, 2011.

Eligible applicants must also meet all these additional requirements:

• Have lived in New Jersey continuously since January 1, 2001, either as a homeowner or renter;

• Have owned and lived in your home, or leased a site in a mobile home park for a manufactured or mobile home that you own, since January 1, 2008;  

• Paid the full amount of the 2010 property taxes due on your home by June 1, 2011 and paid all 2011 property taxes by June 1, 2012; and

• Have total annual income for both 2010 and 2011 of $80,000 or less.

With rare exceptions, all income is taken into account in determining program eligibility including social security and pension benefits. Income limits for the program are also subject to change as a result of the annual state budget.

“I encourage eligible residents who have not received their forms or who are applying for the first time to contact my office to secure the needed paperwork as soon as possible,” said Assemblyman Wisniewski. “My office is also available to answer residents’ questions about eligibility and how to properly file the necessary forms.”

Assemblyman John Wisniewski represents New Jersey ’s 19^th Legislative District, which includes the Middlesex County towns of Carteret, Perth Amboy , Sayreville, South Amboy and Woodbridge . His office is located at 132 Main Street in Sayreville and can be reached by calling (732) 432-8460.