After Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed an executive order allowing municipalities to extend the grace period for property tax payments from May 1st to June 1st, Jersey City will allow their residents to take advantage of this offer.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Allowing municipalities the option of extending the grace period for May property tax payments is the right thing to do as many New Jerseyans are impacted financially as a result of this crisis,†Murphy said in a statement yesterday.
“Leaders of towns and cities across the state have been trying to find ways to lessen the blow on local residents, and with this action, they are empowered to provide relief to homeowners as we continue to do everything possible to fight this pandemic.â€
Under existing law, towns may only allow for a grace period of up to 10 days after the property tax deadline without interest or penalty.
However, in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the law was amended to allow towns that have experienced a flood, hurricane, superstorm, tornado or other natural disaster to extend the grace period for up to a month in certain circumstances.
There is currently no mechanism in the law to allow municipalities to extend the grace period as a result of a public health-related emergency, which prompted Murphy to sign Executive Order No. 130.
Additionally, the order will enable homeowners to pay their taxes a month after they are due without incurring any interest costs or penalties.
Yesterday, Mayor Steven Fulop indicated that residents would be offered that courtesy.
“We will absolutely allow our #JerseyCity residents to use this additional month,” he tweeted.
Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro also expressed support for the measure on social media.
“I’ve requested a resolution be introduced at the earliest city council meeting possible. It isn’t relief or reductions for struggling Jersey City property taxpayers, but it offers a little respite in these tough times,” he wrote on Facebook.
“Still looking for other relief to help struggling working families. Thank you for the extension, Governor Murphy.”
