OFFICE OF THE STATE TREASURER
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb 10, 2000 Contact: Mary Lou Murphy-(609)633-6565
Francis Rapa -(609)777-1073
STATE MAILS PROPERTY TAX FREEZE APPLICATIONS
Governor Christie Whitman & State Treasurer Roland Machold announced that 1999 Property Tax Freeze applications have been mailed to low-income senior citizens and disabled residents. The Property Tax Freeze program reimburses eligible applicants for the difference between the amount of property taxes paid in the "base year" (the year they became eligible and filed for the program) and the amount paid in the current year.
Whitman said, "This is the second year of the Property Tax Freeze program. It is an important benefit to the senior and disabled community in New Jersey because it helps alleviate the financial burden created by increases in local property taxes. "
Machold added that the filing deadline has been extended to May 1, 2000 to give residents ample time to apply.
Machold said, "This year, we have mailed personalized applications (form PTR-2) to individuals who received a 1998 reimbursement to make the filing as easy as possible. Information from the 1998 application is included on that application so that this year, individuals need only to provide updated 1999 income and property tax information.
First time filers can apply for a 1999 reimbursement by completing and filing form PTR-1. A copy of the applicants 1998 and 1999 property tax bills and proof of payments must be submitted with the application. Mobile home owners must enclose documentation of annual site fees due and paid.
New Jersey resident homeowners eligible to receive the 1999 property tax reimbursement must be at least 65 years of age or receiving Federal Social Security disability benefits as of December 31, 1998. Applicants must have paid the full amount of their 1998 and 1999 property taxes (or site fees for mobile home owners), and have lived in New Jersey continuously for at least 10 years (Since before January 1, 1989). They must also for the last 3 years (prior to January 1, 1996) have owned and lived in the home for which they are claiming the reimbursement.
Applicants must continue to meet all eligibility requirements and must file an application each year to receive the reimbursement.
Applicants must also meet income limits for both 1998 and 1999 as follows:
1998 - Annual income less than: $17,918 if single or $21,970 (combined income) if married; and
1999 - Annual income less than: $18,151 if single or $22,256 (combined income) if married.
Income is defined as all income received during the year, including Social Security benefits, and other income not reportable on the NJ income tax return.
Information on the Property Tax Freeze Program is available on the Division's Internet Web site (www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/) or by calling the automated Tax Information System at 1-800-323-4400. Division representatives are also available from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-882-6597 to answer any questions regarding this program.
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