Assemblymen Michael J. Panter and Robert L. Morgan, M.D., (both D-Monmouth/Mercer) announced today that 12th District residents still have one month to file their 2003 Property Tax Reimbursement Applications. Gov. James E. McGreevey and Division of Taxation Director Robert K. Thompson announced earlier this month that the original deadline of June 1 had been extended to Aug. 2.
"Seniors and disabled persons who haven’t already applied for this program should take advantage of it," said Morgan.
"This program will lighten the burden of property taxes on some of New Jersey’s most vulnerable citizens," said Panter.
Under the program, eligible senior citizens and disabled persons 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. Income eligibility thresholds increased this year from $39,475 to $40,028 for single applicants and from $48,404 to $49,082 for married applicants. Filers who meet the criteria for the program can effectively "freeze" their taxes at the current rate to prevent future increases.
According to McGreevey, nearly 100,000 New Jersey residents will be eligible for reimbursement this year. Those who filed before the original June 1 deadline are expected to receive their reimbursement checks around July 15.