Aiming to help low-income seniors and the disabled remain informed of potential liens on their residences, a measure that would inform these groups how to request such information as part of their homestead property tax reimbursement was passed 75-0 by the full General Assembly Thursday.
The bill (A-5315) is sponsored by Assembly Democrats Vincent Mazzeo (D-Atlantic), Bruce Land (D-Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland) and Roy Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) who issued the following statements:
Assemblyman Vincent Mazzeo: “Seniors often face health challenges and other issues that make remaining up-to-date on reading their mail a challenge. They can go for long periods of time without noticing bills and other urgent matters. By including the notice of lien request in the homestead property tax reimbursement application, this information is more likely to stand out and be noticed.”
Assemblyman R. Bruce Land: “It’s extremely unfortunate when the tax amount owed on a property is relatively small but increases over time due to non-payment. In many instances, the homeowner was not aware of the amount, because the bill remained unopened with other email. As the amount owed and interest compound, the total bill can escalate and even lead to foreclosure on the property. This bill looks to prevent such occurrences.”
Assemblyman Roy Freiman: “Even for the most organized person, tending to the administrative matters of the home can be difficult. For seniors and the disabled, this challenge is even more laborious. This legislation helps provide assistance by informing seniors of a simple way to consult with their municipal tax collector to ensure that no outstanding municipal liens exist on the property.”