Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is a federal income tax credit that is refunded to qualified taxpayers after their taxes have been paid. Even if you don't have to pay any taxes on your income, you may still qualify for a refund. EITC is based on the amount of your earned income; it is set up on a sliding scale and is claimed by filing a federal income tax return. We've devoted a full page of our Web site to this and other tax credit programs. Learn more here.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Free assistance in the preparation of federal and state Income Tax Returns is available for taxpayers at local VITA sites (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Here, individuals of low to moderate income, individuals with disabilities, and non-English speaking taxpayers can find direct assistance in filing their returns. Learn about this and other tax filing assistance programs, as well as the VITA site locations here.
Property Tax Reimbursement for Seniors and People with a Disability - File by 6.1.10
The Property Tax Reimbursement Program reimburses eligible senior citizens and people with a disability for property tax increases. The amount of the reimbursement is the difference between the amount of property taxes that were due and paid for the "base year" (the first year that you met all the eligibility requirements) and the amount due and paid for the current year for which you are applying for the reimbursement, provided the amount paid for the current year was greater. You must meet all the eligibility requirements for the base year and for each succeeding year, up to and including the current year to qualify for the reimbursement. Eligible applicants must file the 2009 Property Tax Reimbursement Application (Form PTR-1) on or before June 1, 2010.
Learn about income limits.
Learn more about eligibility requirements, general information, application and income guidelines, or download the 2009 Property Tax Reimbursement form.
Stimulus Plan Offers Direct Benefits
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (often referred to as the Stimulus Package or Plan.) This new law offers significant financial benefits to many eligible New Jersey citizens who are struggling to make ends meet. Read a brief description of how different portions of the plan provide savings and access links that will take you to Web pages where more detailed information can be found. Learn more.
