State mails a million rebate checks

TRENTON - The first property tax rebate checks are in the mail. About 1.1 million rebate checks were to arrive at the homes of eligible homeowners and tenants beginning Monday, acting Gov. Richard J. Codey said. The governor's office said elderly and disabled residents who completed applications by June 1 should receive rebate checks by the end of the week. Other rebate recipients can expect checks in the fall, the governor's office said. Rebates for those taxpayers will shrink to $300-$350, under the $28 billion budget lawmakers approved in July. The state provides property tax assistance to income-eligible residents through the program called Fair And Immediate Relief, or FAIR. More than 410,000 elderly and disabled homeowners can expect to get rebates of $500 to $1,200 this week, the same as last year, and 54,000 tenants will get $150 to $825. An additional 650,000 renters who are not elderly or disabled will get back checks of $75. Residents have until Aug. 15 to file for rebates for the 2004 tax year. Residents can get answers to questions about the program by calling 1-888-238-1233 or checking the state Treasury Department Web site, www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/.