NJ Tax E-News  09/03/10

The Division of Taxation is now in the process of mailing applications for the 2009 homestead benefit. Applications will be mailed over the next three weeks to all eligible homeowners, both seniors (age 65 or older on December 31, 2009) and nonseniors. The deadline for filing these applications is November 1, 2010.

The homestead benefit application delivery dates by county are:

Atlantic, Essex, Monmouth, Sussex - September 8
Morris, Ocean - September 11
Camden, Hudson, Hunterdon, Salem, Somerset - September 15
Bergen, Burlington, Cumberland, Warren - September 18
Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic - September 22
Cape May, Union - September 25

Because this year's Budget limits eligibility for senior/disabled
homeowners to those with New Jersey gross income of $150,000 or less, and for nonsenior/nondisabled homeowners to those with New Jersey gross income of $75,000 or less, many homeowners will not receive applications this year.

Instead of receiving a rebate check (or direct deposit) as in previous years, eligible homeowners will receive their homestead benefit for 2009 as a credit on the property tax bill for the second quarter of 2011.

With very few exceptions, homeowner benefit applications must be filed over the Internet or by phone. The answers to most questions can be found in the application packet. Homeowners who receive a packet should read it carefully, and if they meet the eligibility requirements, complete the worksheet in the packet prior to filing.

View information on the 2009 homestead benefit

The homeowner benefit Internet filing application on the Division of Taxation Web site and automated telephone filing system (1-877-658-2972) will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the filing period. Homeowners who have questions or need help filing their applications can call the Homestead Benefit Hotline at 1-888-238-1233. Representatives are available from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.