Office of the State Treasurer

TRENTON -- State Treasurer John McCormac today reminded taxpayers that the deadline for filing New Jersey income tax returns is Tuesday, April 15, 2003. The Treasurer also announced that Division of Taxation representatives will be working extra hours on the 15th to assist New Jersey taxpayers. The Division of Taxation's Customer Service Center and the Trenton regional office located in the Taxation Building at 50 Barrack Street, will extend their hours of operation until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday to help taxpayers with their returns. The Division's other regional offices will be open until 6:00 p.m.

Regional Offices are located at the following addresses:

Each Regional Office has Division of Taxation representatives who can answer tax questions, assist taxpayers with the preparation of their New Jersey tax returns, accept completed forms and provide blank forms. Regional office staff will also help taxpayers TeleFile their returns or use NJ WebFile. Directions to the Regional Offices are available on the Division's Web site at: www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ot1.htm

Of the 2.2 million returns filed so far this tax season, nearly 800,000 returns have been filed electronically, up 28 percent over this time last year. "Paperless filing methods add speed and convenience during tax season," said Treasurer McCormac. "Not only will your return be more accurate, but taxpayers who use one of our electronic paperless filing methods can choose to have their refund deposited directly into their checking or savings account." Direct deposit is not available for those who choose to submit a paper return. "Our filing options make it simple for all taxpayers, whether they prefer using a telephone, a personal computer or a professional tax preparation service," added McCormac.

Taxpayers who cannot file their New Jersey income tax returns by April 15 can request an extension, but must pay at least 80 percent of their actual New Jersey income tax liability by the April 15 due date in order to qualify. "While we can give taxpayers additional time to file their income tax returns, extensions of time to pay the tax due are not permitted under the law," said Division of Taxation Director Robert K. Thompson. Penalties and interest are imposed whenever tax is paid after the due date.

The quickest way to request an extension is to file the application online from the Division of Taxation's Web site at: www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/online.htm. Requests for four-month extensions may be filed online until midnight, April 15, 2003. Filers who need to make a payment with their extension request can make it online using the Division's E-Check system or by using a credit card.

Taxpayers may also request an extension by submitting a traditional paper Form NJ-630, Application for Extension of Time to File New Jersey Gross Income Tax Return. The Application must be postmarked on or before April 15. Taxpayers who applied for an automatic extension of time to file their Federal return may receive an extension for their New Jersey return by including a copy of the Federal application for extension when they file their New Jersey income tax return, provided they meet all the other requirements. Taxpayers who file for a Federal extension but also need to make a payment of New Jersey tax by the April 15 due date to satisfy the requirements for the New Jersey extension must submit Form NJ-630 with that payment or must file and pay online.

Taxpayers can use a credit card to pay their 2002 New Jersey income taxes or make a payment of New Jersey estimated tax for 2003 by calling 1-800-2PAYTAX, toll free, or over the Internet at www.officialpayments.com.

Attached is a list of important contacts for New Jersey taxpayer information and assistance.

New Jersey Taxpayer Information & Assistance Customer Service Center.............................................................................609-292-6400 Speak directly to a representative for information and assistance on income tax. Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline.....................................................1-800-882-6597 Speak directly to a representative for information and assistance on the property tax reimbursement. Paperless Filing: -NJ WebFile...........................................................................http://www.njfastfile.com File State returns from our secure Internet site. -NJ TeleFile.................................................................1-888-235-FILE or 609-826-4448 File State returns using a Touch-tone telephone. Home Page.....................................................http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ Tax information, forms, publications available online to Internet users. Credit Card Payment................................................................................1-800-2PAYTAX Make payments of 2002 income tax or 2003 estimated tax with a Visa, American Express, MasterCard or Discover/Novus credit card. Automated Tax Information System: Touch-tone phones within NJ................................................................1-800-323-4400 Touch-tone phones anywhere..................................................................609-826-4400 -TaxTalk(recorded tax information) -ARIS (automated refund inquiry system) -Forms Request (request tax returns and publications) TTY.................................................................................1-800-286-6613 or 609-984-7300 TTY equipment users can ask questions or order forms and publications. Leave a message and a Division representative will call you back through the Relay Service. The TTY toll-free service area includes New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland in addition to New Jersey NJ TaxFax.....................................................................................................609-826-4500 Request facsimile State tax returns and publications.