The rebate calculation is based on the applicant’s 2008 New Jersey gross income, filing status, the amount of property taxes paid (18% of rent) on the dwelling that was their principal residence on October 1, 2008, and whether the applicant was age 65 or older and/or disabled on December 31, 2008.

Tenants Age 65 or Older and/or Disabled
Tenants Under Age 65 and NOT Disabled

*Spouses/civil union partners who file separate income tax returns but maintain the same principal residence must combine their incomes when calculating the benefit amount. Each spouse/civil union partner is then eligible to receive one-half of the calculated amount. If spouses/civil union partners maintain separate principal residences, their incomes should not be combined.

**For tenants 65 or older and/or disabled with gross income of $70,000 or less ($35,000 or less if single or married/CU partner, filing separately maintaining separate residence), the rebate amount is equal to property taxes paid minus 5% of gross income plus $50, up to $860 but not less than the minimum amount specified for their income level. The amount of property taxes paid is 18% of rent paid.

Note: Benefits under the Homestead Rebate Program are in addition to the State’s other property tax relief programs. However, beginning this year with benefits paid for 2008, the total amount of all property tax relief benefits received (homestead rebate, property tax reimbursement, property tax deduction for senior citizens/disabled persons, and property tax deduction for veterans) cannot exceed the amount of property taxes (or rent constituting property taxes) paid on the applicant’s principal residence for the same year.

Tenants Under Age 65 and NOT Disabled
Under the terms of the State Budget, no rebates will be issued to tenants who were under age 65 and not disabled on December 31, 2008.