NJ homeowners find rebate forms taxing

By Tom Hester Jr.
Associated Press -- July 31

TRENTON - Gov. Corzine dubbed the state's new property-tax relief program a step toward easing the burden of America's highest property taxes, but getting that help is proving a burden to beleaguered Garden State homeowners.

"I found it a bit difficult and time consuming," said Alice Tulecki of Brick. She is among those who struggled to complete the recently mailed tax-relief application.

Under the new program approved by Corzine and pushed by legislative Democrats, most homeowners will get a check this fall equal to 20 percent of their property taxes. Overall, 1.9 million households will get a check averaging $1,051.

New Jersey homeowners pay, on average, about $6,330 a year in property taxes.

Initially, the state was to directly credit tax bills, but Treasury officials were unable to create such a system, so homeowners must apply and wait for a check. Applications must be filed by Aug. 15, but Corzine said the deadline will be extended until Oct. 31.

"We certainly don't want to be accused of making it too difficult for people," Corzine said yesterday after touring a center where rebate checks are printed.

Households with earnings up to $100,000 would get a 20 percent cut; up to $150,000, a 15 percent cut; and up to $250,000, a 10 percent cut. This plan is explained amid the application's 11 pages of directions, but never specifies how much a person will receive.

"I do not know the dollar amount I will be receiving," said Patrick McGowan of Brielle.

Tulecki, a 65-year-old notary public, also didn't know what she'll get back and questioned why she even has to apply for a rebate.

"I don't understand - since I paid and filed my taxes, put them away and then had to pull them out for information - why this information has to be entered," she said.

Barry Jacobson of Manalapan said he also doesn't have a clear understanding of how much he'll receive. His wife is disabled and, because disabled and senior citizens file under separate applications, Jacobson said he's not sure how the new program affects help they got last year.

"They have no parameters," Jacobson said.

Taxpayers who have questions can visit the Treasury Web site to get more information, Treasury Department spokesman Tom Vincz said.

Others said they found the application straightforward, but that didn't mitigate their frustration with property taxes that are twice the national average.

"I do resent getting a 20 percent rebate and having Jersey City raise the property taxes," said Mary Lou Poppe, 70, who has seen property taxes on her small condo increase by about $1,000 in recent years to $4,200. "I feel like I am on a merry-go-round. The state gives and the city takes it back."

New Jersey uses property taxes to pay for most county and local government and school operations. Myra D'Agostino, who lives in Edison and makes $23,000 a year, thinks such taxes should be based on income, not property. The Legislature rejected that switch when debating property-tax overhauls last year.

D'Agostino has one solution in mind - waiting for November when all 120 legislative seats will be on the ballot.

"I can't wait for election time," she said, adding she'll be voting for nonincumbents.