This bill amends New Jersey law to extend property tax benefits to veterans, 100 percent service-disabled veterans, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities who are required to make payments in lieu of property taxes. The amendments include provisions that exempt these individuals from both property taxes and payments in lieu of property taxes as mandated by contracts between municipalities and urban renewal entities under the Long Term Tax Exemption Law. Additionally, the bill clarifies that surviving spouses of eligible veterans are entitled to the same exemptions during their widowhood or widowerhood, provided they occupy the dwelling house.

The legislation modifies the application process for these exemptions, allowing claims for both property taxes and payments in lieu of property taxes. It specifies that municipalities may return any collected property taxes or payments that would have been exempt had a proper claim been made. The bill also ensures that veterans residing in continuing care retirement communities receive appropriate deductions based on their share of property taxes or payments in lieu of property taxes. Overall, the bill aims to enhance financial support for veterans and their families in New Jersey, while also requiring voter approval of a constitutional amendment for the changes to take effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 54:4-3.30, 54:4-3.31, 54:4-3.32, 54:4-8.11, 54:4-8.12, 54:4-8.13, 54:4-8.17, 54:4-8.41, 54:4-8.43, 54:4-8.44, 54:4-8.46