Downey Extends Deadline to Apply for Senior Freeze Tax Relief

(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Joann Downey granting seniors and disabled residents more time to apply for their property tax rebates cleared the legislature with final approval by the full Assembly, 70-0. The bill will now go to the Governor for further consideration.

“Property tax rebates are often a much-needed income boost that can make the difference between whether someone can afford their prescriptions or pay their utility bill,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “By extending the deadline, hopefully we can ensure that more seniors and disabled residents have time to apply for what is rightfully owed to them.”

The bill (A-3466) would require that applications for participation in the homestead property tax reimbursement program, colloquially known as the “senior freeze” program, be filed with the director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury between April 1 and October 31 of the year following the year for which the claim is being made.

Under current law, the deadline is June 1 of the following year.