 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.
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