United Way of Hunterdon County is providing free assistance to those wishing to file for the “NJ Senior Freeze/Property Tax Reimbursement” (PTR). Tax preparers will be on hand at United Way’s 20 Fulper Road Volunteer Center in Flemington on April 26th and 28th, and May 3rd and 5th for appointments.
To qualify for the 2021 Senior Freeze (also available to disabled persons), an applicant must meet requirements that include being over age 65, having lived in NJ as a homeowner or renter since 12/31/10 or earlier, and having lived in the home since 12/31/17. He or she must be below the income limits for 2020 ($92,969) and 2021 ($94,178).
The tax relief is called a “Senior Freeze” because a frozen amount is set for the homeowners’ real estate taxes. The homeowner pays all taxes and then gets a check for the difference between what has been paid and the frozen amount. “Being able to assist in completing PTR’s is important because it helps our seniors remain home,” said Bonnie Duncan, CEO of United Way of Hunterdon County. “Property taxes are high and if you’re on a fixed income, the PTR offers some relief,” she said.
The “PTR-1” form is for those starting the program, and “PTR-2” is for those already in the program. The forms are usually not available until the tax filing season is well underway. New Jersey began mailing the 2021 PTR forms in early March 2022.
United Way, who also assists with income tax filing through their VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program, utilizes trained IRS tax preparers for the PTR Program. “Many of our volunteers are trained and certified for every IRS tax situation available,” Duncan said. “We are here to help.”
Appointments for the April and May PTR only assistance can be made by calling (908) 237-1689. Donations to United Way can be made online at uwhunterdon.org/donations.