Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick reminded eligible property taxpayers to file for the state’s relief programs before it’s too late.

Senior citizens eligible for Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement Program) have until Friday, Oct. 19 to apply. Governor Christie recently extended the deadline for the Homestead Benefit from Oct. 19 to Friday, Dec. 14.

 “Many eligible property taxpayers have not applied for these programs,” Bramnick, R-Union, Morris and Somersetsaid. “Anyone who is eligible for this relief should be aware of these deadlines and file their applications.”

Senior Freeze essentially freezes property tax bills for homeowners ages 65-years and older who have low or moderate incomes, or to disabled residents who receive federal Social Security payments. The state budgeted $213.5 million for this program and recipients receive $1,200 on average. Applications for Senior Freeze are due Friday, Oct. 19.

Homestead Benefit provides relief to 1.65 million families including senior citizen and disabled homeowners who earn less than $150,000 and all other homeowners who earn less than $75,000. The benefit, $477 on average, appears as a credit on May’s quarterly property tax bill.

Because roughly 650,000 families have not applied for the Homestead Benefit, Governor Christie has extended the Homestead Benefit deadline to Friday, Dec. 14.

“Property taxpayers should take these deadlines very seriously,” Bramnick said. “I don’t want to see anyone who is eligible miss out on critical relief.”

Visit the Division of Taxation’s website to learn whether you qualify, or how to apply for these programs:http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/. New Jersey has hotlines for each program open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: 

• Senior Freeze: 1-800-882-6597 
• Homestead Benefit: 1-888-238-1233.

Constituents who have trouble finding the information they need are welcome to call Bramnick’s legislative office for assistance at (908) 232-2073.