Brick Council OKs 31-Day Grace Period For May Property Taxes

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township is waiving interest and fees on the May 1 property tax payment for township residents in an effort to ease stress for residents who are unemployed because of the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

The Township Council on Tuesday night approved a resolution extends the usual 10-day grace period to the end of May because of the continuing uncertainties surrounding when New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy might lift the stay-at-home order that aims to slow the spread of the virus.

There has been talk that the state government would delay the payment of second-quarter property taxes, but a bill passed by the Assembly to do that for this year has not yet been taken up by the state Senate.

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The issue affects property owners across New Jersey, as thousands have found themselves without income due to the various orders to promote social distancing.

Mayor John G. Ducey said he has heard from a number of Brick Township residents asking the township to delay the payments altogether, but Ducey said that isn't within the town's jurisdiction to decide; property tax payment dates are set by the state.

"What we are able to do is waive interest and fees for the month of May," Ducey said.
Second-quarter property taxes will be due in full June 1, and interest and fees will be collected on payments made after that date.

It remains unclear how long the stay-at-home order will remain in place. New Jersey is part of a seven-state coalition that is working on a regional program to move toward a lifting of the restrictions while also ensuring there is not a rebound of the virus.

For property owners who want to pay their taxes, payments can be mailed to town hall at 401 Chambers Bridge Road; include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a paid receipt will be mailed to you.

There are options to pay property taxes online. Paying by credit card requires a fee that is based on a percentage of the tax payment. A second online option is an electronic check that costs $1 to use.

Payments also can be taken to town hall in person. Anyone who wants to come into town hall must use the police department entrance and must have their temperature taken.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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