Last week I received my 2008 Homestead Rebate Application.  While I dutifully filled out the worksheet, I remembered my rebate from last year as being very minor, but better than nothing.  Lot and block number? Check.  Filing status number? Check. NJ Homeowner as of Oct 1, 2008? Check.  Only upon reading the fine print did I realize that I am no longer eligible.  As it turns out, one of the casualties of NJ's 29 Billion dollar budget is the homestead rebate check for New Jersey homeowners making more than $75,000/year.  NJ residents who are elderly or disabled have a household income threshold of $150,000.

The deadline for filing an application for the 2008 NJ Homestead rebate is September 1 of 2009.  Worksheet packets were mailed to non-senior and non-disabled residents during the last week of July. If you did not receive your application call the Homestead Rebate Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 or on the web at www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation.

"The Homestead Rebate program provides rebates for homeowners and tenants who occupied their principal residence in New Jersey on Oct 1st, paid property taxes on that dwelling either directly or through rent, and whose gross income for the entire year does not exceed certain limits"