TRENTON - State Treasurer Bradley Abelow announced today that t he New Jersey Division of Taxation will begin mailing the 2005 rebate applications this week to approximately 500,000 senior citizen and disabled homeowners - marking the first of two scheduled mailings for the property tax rebate program. Applications for all other homeowners are expected to be mailed at the beginning of July.
"Despite our enormous budgetary challenges, Governor Corzine has continued essential funding for New Jersey 's property tax relief programs," Treasurer Abelow said. "This year's property tax rebate for senior homeowners will reach a maximum of $1,320, a 10 percent increase over last year's maximum. These rebates are part of a $1.9 billion commitment to direct relief programs, such as the senior property tax freeze and the property tax deduction, and part of a $14 billion total investment in property tax relief in the FY 2007 budget," Treasurer Abelow said.
The homeowner rebate applications are being mailed in two groups. Senior and disabled homeowners in Atlantic, Camden , Essex, Hudson , Hunterdon, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem , Somerset , and Sussex counties can expect to begin receiving their applications early this week. Those in Bergen , Burlington , Cape May, Cumberland , Gloucester , Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic , Union, and Warren can expect to see their applications by the end of the week.
Senior and disabled homeowners will have until June 1, 2006, to file their applications for the 2005 rebate. They must meet the following conditions to receive a rebate:
|
Own and occupy a home in New Jersey that was their principal residence on October 1, 2005 ; |
|
Have gross income under the minimum threshold (currently the threshold is $200,000); |
|
The home must be subject to local property taxes, and 2005 property taxes must have been paid. |
Rebate checks for senior and disabled homeowner are expected to be issued on July 31, 2006.
With very few exceptions, the homeowner rebate applications must be filed by phone or internet. Homeowners are urged to complete the worksheet in their rebate application packet before attempting to file.
By following the instructions and checking all their information before they file their application, homeowners can ensure fast, easy and accurate filing. The homeowner rebate automated telephone filing system (1-877-658-2972) and internet filing application on the Division of Taxation Web site (www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/) will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the filing period.
For additional information about the property tax rebate program call 1-888-238-1233 or visit the Division of Taxation website at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation .
|