From the Desk of Karin Kneafsey, Tax Collector

Property Tax in New Jersey

The League has revised its special report explaining why property taxes in New Jersey are so high! It has been posted on our website at http://www.njslom.org/tax_brochure.html.

We are hopeful that this overview of the situation will help you to better participate in the debate over this critical issue. As you are well aware, rising property taxes are a major factor in driving people away from New Jersey. The time has come to lower these regressive taxes with the help of state officials.

We hope that this “Short and Simple Glimpse” at this issue will help the people of our State familiarize themselves with the history of the debate and the steps the League is currently taking to bring about property tax reform.   You may want to link this report to your municipal website, to assist in sharing this information with you constituents.

Tax Distribution Chart

NEW: View a chart illustrating the use of your property tax dollars.

Tax System Look-Up

For Franklin Township, Warren County: http://75.146.243.65

2009 Tax Rate

From Tax Assessor, Eloise Hagaman -- the tax rate for Franklin Township is now $2.658.

General Tax Information

The following is general information that you may find helpful when reviewing you tax payment schedule.

Tax payments are due on the first day of February, May, August and November.

Tax bills are mailed out once a year, during the summer. If you have not yet received this year's bill, please call the office to request a copy.

There is a ten-day grace period given for Tax payments. The payment must be received by the tenth day of each respective quarter. Payments received after the tenth day are subject to interest at a rate of 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 and 18% per annum over $1,500.00. A 6% year-end penalty is charged on any delinquency in excess of $10,000.00 that remains unpaid on December 31st.

Tax payments can be made either by mail or in person. Office hours are every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30-8:00pm and the first Saturday of February, May, August and November from 9:00-11:00am. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 547, Broadway, NJ 08808. Please include the appropriate stub with your payment. If payment is made by mail and a receipt is requested, please include the entire bill and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

If there is any change your mailing address, please remember to contact the office, so that we may update our records. If your property is sold, please take the Tax bills to your closing to be turned over to the new owner.

If you have any questions or problems you can call the office at 689-3994 extension 19, come in during office hours or call to set up an appointment during off hours.

Township Property Tax Deductions

There are two types of tax deductions available for qualified property owners. In both cases, there are several eligibility requirements that must be met . If you think that you may qualify for these deductions, please call the Tax Collector or Tax Assessor's office for additional information.

VETERAN'S DEDUCTION
A property tax deduction exists for property owners who are U.S. veterans or are the surviving spouse of a Veteran. Among requirements which must be met are an honorable discharge from active service from any branch of the armed forces and having had served during time of war.

SENIOR CITIZEN OR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The tax deduction for a Senior Citizen or Persons with Disabilities or the surviving spouse of a Senior Citizen or Person with Disabilities is $250.00. To qualify for this deduction, the Senior Citizen or Person with Disabilities must have an income of less than $10,000.00 excluding social security or state and federal pensions, as well as meeting other requirements.

State of New Jersey Property Tax Reimbursement

In January 1998, a new state law was signed that "freezes" property taxes at their 1997 level for eligible Senior Citizens and/or Persons with Disabilities. Eligible property owners will continue to pay taxes as they are billed by the Borough and file for reimbursement from the State of New Jersey on
Form NJ-1040.

PROPERTY TAX REIMBURSEMENT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
A few of the eligibility requirements are that the property owner must: be over 65 years old or receiving Federal Social Security disability benefits and be owner of a homestead and have a 1997 income of less that $ 17,918, if single or combined income of $ 21,970, if married, (annual income includes virtually all income). The State of New Jersey has established a hotline to assist taxpayers with their questions, 1-800-882-6597.