Section 54:4-8.75f - Combined single application form, applicant information required; extension, good cause; proceduresa. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 6 of P.L.1990, c.61 (C.54:4-8.62) and section 3 of P.L.1997, c.348 (C.54:4-8.70) concerning the form and deadline of applications for the ANCHOR rebate program and the homestead property tax reimbursement, the director shall promulgate a single combined application form to be used by State residents to apply for the ANCHOR rebate program, the homestead property tax reimbursement program, and the Stay NJ property tax credit in accordance with the recommendations of the Stay NJ Task Force established pursuant to section 18 of P.L.2023, c.75 (C.54:4-8.75o). The combined application form shall, at a minimum, require the applicant to submit information about his or her age, annual income, homestead property address, as well as any other information determined necessary by the director in order to approve or disapprove the applicant's participation in those programs. The combined application form shall also advise the applicant that the director shall determine the eligibility of an applicant to receive an ANCHOR rebate, homestead property tax reimbursement, or a Stay NJ property tax credit. The director shall, for good cause shown, extend the time of any applicant to file an application for a reasonable period, and in such case, the application shall be processed and payment of an ANCHOR rebate, homestead property tax reimbursement, or a Stay NJ property tax credit made in accordance with the procedures established in the case of applications timely filed, except the date for the payment may be delayed for a reasonable period. If an applicant or an applicant's spouse has filed an application for an extension of time to file a gross income tax return, the date by which the applicant shall file an application may, in the discretion of the director, be extended for a reasonable period, and the date for the payment of an ANCHOR rebate, homestead property tax reimbursement, or a Stay NJ property tax credit may be delayed for a reasonable period. A State resident seeking property tax benefits under any of those programs shall accurately complete the entire application and file it with the director. For purposes of this subsection, in order to establish good cause to extend the time of an eligible claimant to file an application, the eligible claimant shall provide to the director either medical evidence, such as a doctor's certification, that the claimant was unable to file the claim by the date prescribed by the director because of illness or hospitalization, or evidence that the applicant attempted to file a timely application. Except as may be established by medical evidence or inability to file a claim, good cause shall not be established due to a claimant not having received an application from the director.
b. Upon the approval of applications by the director, the director shall prepare lists of individuals entitled to receive a Stay NJ property tax credit, together with the respective amounts due each eligible claimant and shall forward such lists to the State Treasurer, the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting, and any other officials as the director deems appropriate on or before the earliest of such date or dates as may be convenient for the director to compile such lists. The director may inspect all records in the office of the tax collector and tax assessor of a municipality with respect to applications, claims, and allowances for Stay NJ property tax credits.c. If an application contains a claim for a Stay NJ property tax credit that contains incorrect information from the claimant or is based upon incorrect or insufficient information from which the director is to determine and approve the claim, the director may determine the eligibility of the claimant for a Stay NJ property tax credit and the correct amount of a Stay NJ property tax credit from such other information as may be available to the director.d. In the case of an eligible claimant whose homestead is a unit in a cooperative, mutual housing corporation, or continuing care retirement community, the director may provide that the application shall include the name and address of the location of the property and the amount of real property taxes attributed to the cooperative, mutual housing residential unit, or continuing care retirement community residential unit, as shall be indicated in an official notice which shall be furnished by the cooperative, mutual housing corporation, or continuing care retirement community for the tax year.Added by L. 2023, c. 75, s. 6, eff. 6/30/2023, app., with respect to Stay NJ property tax credits, first to the tax year quarter beginning January 1, 2026, or, if the Governor and the Legislature fail to enact legislation as required by section 19 of P.L.2023, c.75 (C.54:4-8.75p), the first tax year quarter beginning no less than six months following promulgation of the combined single application form.