Taxes & Tax Assistance

AARP TAX ASSISTANCE

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will not be offered this tax season at any site in Mercer County. However, AARP is offering an alternative this year called the AARP Alternative Tax Preparation program (ATP).

This program provides direct taxpayer access to free online tax software for this year’s taxes as well as video and/or phone assistance with a certified AARP tax assister. Rather than doing the tax return for the taxpayer, the certified AARP tax assister helps the taxpayer prepare his/her own online return.

Starting early February 2021, you can get more information about the Alternative Tax Preparation program at www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.

Tax-Aide provides access to selected online tax preparation software so eligible taxpayers can prepare and file their own tax returns at no cost. Find out more HERE. Also in other municipalities — see Senior Centers for the telephone numbers.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

• 44 S. Clinton St., Trenton, NJ (609) 989-0533
• Federal tax questions: 800.829.1040
• Local taxpayer advocate: 973.921.4043
• irs.gov/Individuals

Need a tax return transcript? Go to IRS.gov/transcript to download a copy of your transcript; OR download form 4506T from the website (or 4506T-EZ) and mail it to the IRS: OR call 800-908-9946. Transcripts sent to your home address are mailed free of charge, allow 5–10 days. An exact copy of your return can be obtained by completing Form 4506 and sent in with $50 for each year requested; allow 75 days.

NEW JERSEY STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION

• 50 Barrack St., 1st Floor, Trenton, NJ 08695
• Automated tax information: 800.323.4400
• Customer Service 609.292.6400
• For other phone numbers, see: state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/phonenos.shtml
• General web site: state.nj.us/treasury/taxation

NEW JERSEY PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS

For an overview of all programs call 800.323.4400 or visit the web site at state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml.

FAIR Rebate (replaced Homestead and Saver rebates)

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

Property Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze)

The Property Tax Reimbursement Program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax increases. The amount of the reimbursement is the difference between the amount of property taxes that were due and paid in the “base year” (the first year that you met all the eligibility requirements) and the amount due and paid in the current year for which you are claiming the reimbursement, provided the amount paid in the current year was greater.

Property Tax Deduction/Credit

Eligible homeowners and tenants who pay property taxes, either directly or through rent, on their principal residence in New Jersey are eligible for either a deduction or a refundable credit on their New Jersey resident income tax return. Homeowners and tenants may be eligible for a deduction or credit even if they are not eligible for a homestead rebate.

Senior Citizen/Disabled Persons Annual Property Tax Deduction

Annual Property Tax Deduction for Senior Citizens, Disabled Persons: Annual deduction of up to $250 from property taxes for homeowners age 65 or older or disabled who meet certain income and residency requirements. This benefit is administered by the local municipality. For Princeton Borough 609.497.7625; for Princeton Township 609.924.1058.

Veterans Deduction

Annual deduction of up to $250 from taxes due on the real or personal property of qualified war veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses. This benefit is administered by the local municipality. Call local municipal tax office. For Princeton Borough 609.497.7625; for Princeton Township 609.924.1058.

Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans

Full exemption from property taxes on a principal residence for certain totally and permanently disabled war veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses. Unmarried surviving spouses of servicepersons who died on wartime active duty may also qualify. This benefit is administered by the local municipality. Call local municipal tax office. For Princeton Borough 609.497.7625; for Princeton Township 609.924.1058.

The Princeton Senior Resource Center does not endorse any of the resources listed on these pages. We collect and provide information from many sources as a service to those seeking services in the Princeton area. No listed provider pays to be in our directory.