Bill
Bill > A2804
NJ A2804
NJ A2804Extends payment of homestead property tax reimbursement to non-eligible surviving spouse for portion of tax year during which deceased spouse lived.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would entitle the surviving spouse of someone who was eligible to receive the homestead property tax reimbursement to file a claim for a pro rata reimbursement for the number of days of the tax year that the deceased spouse lived, even though the surviving spouse is not him- or herself eligible for the reimbursement. Under current law, an applicant must satisfy all prerequisites for a homestead property tax reimbursement as of December 31 of the tax year for which the claim is being made. While current law allows a surviving spouse to file an application on behalf of a spouse who dies after December 31 of the tax year, no provision allows a spouse to claim a partial reimbursement based upon the number of days an eligible claimant lives during the tax year. This requirement works an unusual hardship upon the spouse of someone who was eligible for the reimbursement but is not him- or herself eligible. Not only is the surviving spouse deprived of eligibility for future years (until the surviving spouse can satisfy the eligibility requirements), but the spouse is also stripped of the right to claim reimbursement for the portion of the year that the eligible deceased spouse lived. The year following the death of a spouse can be one of the most trying times for an individual, both emotionally and financially. It therefore seems equitable to allow a surviving spouse the pro rata eligibility provided for in this bill to act as a transition to the loss of the reimbursement.
AI Summary
This bill allows a surviving spouse to receive a partial homestead property tax reimbursement for the portion of the tax year that their deceased spouse, who was eligible for the reimbursement, lived, even if the surviving spouse does not meet the eligibility requirements themselves. The homestead property tax reimbursement is a program designed to provide financial relief on property taxes for eligible residents. Currently, to receive this reimbursement, an applicant must meet all eligibility criteria by December 31st of the tax year. This bill introduces an exception, enabling a surviving spouse to file a claim for a pro rata reimbursement based on the number of days the deceased spouse lived during that tax year, with eligibility assessed as of the date of the deceased spouse's death. This change aims to provide a transitional financial benefit during a difficult time for surviving spouses who might otherwise be immediately deprived of this tax relief.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2804 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2804_I1.HTM |
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