There are two separate and distinct property tax relief programs available to New Jersey homeowners.
Forms are sent out by the State of New Jersey in January. For information call 1-800-882-6597. Online information at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ptr/index.shtml
This program is designed to freeze the burden of increasing real estate taxes for qualified applicants by establishing a base year of eligibility and comparing that “base” with any subsequent year, the difference to be refunded by the State annually. Eligibility must be continuous otherwise a new base year must be established.
Qualifications are as follows:
Amounts received under the Homestead Benefit Program are in addition to the State's other property tax relief programs. The total amount of all property tax relief benefits received (homestead benefit, property tax reimbursement, property tax deduction for senior citizens/disabled persons, and property tax deduction for veterans) cannot exceed the amount of property taxes paid on the applicant's principal residence for the same year.
Under New Jersey Law, if an applicant receives a benefit that is larger than the amount for which they are eligible, the applicant will be required to repay any excess received. The amount owed can be deducted from the applicant's homestead benefit or income tax refund or credit before the payment is issued.
*If you were not a homeowner on October 1, 2015, you are not eligible for a Homestead Benefit, even if you owned a home for part of the year.
The homeowner rebate automated telephone filing system (1-877-658-2972) and Internet filing application on the Division of Taxation Web site ( www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation ) will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the filing period.
Homestead Rebate (for homeowners):
TTY Equipment Users: 1-800-286-6613 or 609-984-7300
E-mail address for homestead rebate questions: nj.homesteadrebate@treas.state.nj.us
E-mail address for general tax questions: nj.taxation@treas.state.nj.us
Agents are available during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to answer questions or to assist homeowners in filing their applications.
Information about the Homestead Rebate Program is available on the Division of Taxation Website