Fair Rebate And Property Tax Reimbursement Filing Deadline Extended To October 17

TRENTON - Acting Governor Richard J. Codey announced today that the deadline for filing the 2004 FAIR Rebate application has been extended until October 17, 2005.

"We want to ensure that all eligible taxpayers have every opportunity to apply,'' said Governor Codey. "We worked hard in the budget process to provide the maximum level of property tax relief possible, and we need to make sure that this relief reaches New Jersey citizens," he said.

The deadline for filing a 2004 Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) application has also been extended to October 17, 2005.

"With the August 15 deadline just around the corner, many potential applicants may still need time to file," said Treasurer McCormac. "This extension will help to ensure that everyone gets the chance to participate," he said. The application deadline for those who have not yet filed has been extended for both senior and non senior homeowners and tenants.

Earlier this month, approximately 410,000 homeowners who were 65 or older or disabled as of Dec. 31, 2004, received rebate checks ranging from $500 to $1,200, while about 54,000 senior or disabled tenants receive rebates of $150 to $825. About 650,000 non-senior, non-disabled tenants received rebate checks of $75.

Checks for non-senior and non-disabled homeowners who file their applications by the original deadline of August 15 are currently scheduled to be mailed on or before October 15, 2005.

Checks for applications filed between August 16 and the extended filing deadline of October 17, 2005, will be issued as quickly as possible, but may not be included in the October distribution.

Any New Jersey resident who owned a home as their principal residence on October 1, 2004, had gross income of $200,000 or less, and paid property taxes on that home should be sure to file the FAIR Homeowner Rebate application. Eligible homeowners who haven't filed their FAIR rebate application yet can do so by calling 1-877-658-2972. They can also file online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation.

To be eligible for the FAIR Tenant Rebate, an applicant must have been a New Jersey resident who rented and occupied a dwelling in New Jersey that was their principal residence on
October 1, 2004, and have had gross income for 2004 of $100,000 or less. In addition, their principal residence must have been subject to local property taxes and be a full living unit with its own separate kitchen and bathroom. Eligible tenants who haven't filed their FAIR rebate application must complete and file the FAIR Rebate Application (For Tenants), Form TR-1040.

Under the Senior Freeze Program, senior citizen and disabled homeowners are reimbursed by the State for the difference between the amount of local property taxes paid in "the base year" (the year they became eligible and first filed for the program) and the amount of property taxes paid for the reimbursement year. In addition to satisfying ownership and residency requirements, an applicant must meet income limits as well. Income eligibility thresholds increased this year from $40,028 to $40,869 for single applicants and from $49,082 to $50,113 for married applicants. Filers must continue to meet all eligibility requirements and must file an application each year to receive the reimbursement.

For more information on the 2004 Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) Program, or to obtain an application, contact the Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline at 1-800-882-6597 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information about the Program is also available on the Division of Taxation's Web site at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.htm.

source: Office of the State Treasurer