Deadline to Qualify for 2014 Property Tax Deductions Is Oct. 1

COURT HOUSE — Although the State of New Jersey passed laws in 1963 providing a $250 annual property tax deduction for qualified veterans and senior citizens, many are not aware of the law or the deductions for which they may qualify.
If you are a veteran or senior citizen resident of New Jersey, you have until Oct. 1 to qualify for the deductions for 2014.
Applications are available at the office of the tax assessor or tax collector in every community. But you must go in and ask for them – and make sure you ask what documentation is required. Generally, it’s a copy of your driver’s license, a photo ID or income tax form to show you are a New Jersey resident. For veterans, you also need a copy of your DD Form 214 or the equivalent. If you are the surviving spouse of a veteran, you are also entitled to receive the deduction.
If you are the surviving spouse of a veteran who died while on active duty or a veteran with a 100% service-related disability, you are exempt from paying any property taxes in New Jersey. For more information, you can contact Virginia Tomlin, Director of the Veteran’s Bureau in Cape May County at 609-886-2762 (email: gtomlin@co.cape-may.nj.us) or contact the Veteran’s Bureau director in your county.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know these property tax deductions exist and neither the state nor local communities have done anything to enlighten New Jersey residents about them – although they have been state law for more than 50 years!
For more details on eligibility, read “Eligible For A Property Tax Deduction?” at www.cmcdigest.com (under the topic “Seniors”) or get the applications, which have all of the necessary details.