Homeowners 65 and older who are experiencing hardship may be eligible for the Low-Income Senior (LIS) plan. Under the plan, you may be able to defer a portion of or all of your property tax payments.
Eligibility
You're eligible for the plan if:
Plan Duration
You can choose a plan with a fixed period of time or without a fixed period of time.
If you no longer quality, your unpaid taxes will be due in full.
Amount of Deferred Payments
If you qualify, your payments for delinquent and future property taxes will be limited to 0% (full deferral), 25%, 50%, or 75% for a fixed period or long-term.
You should choose a payment percentage that best fits your budget. The more that tax payments are deferred, the higher the amount you will eventually have to repay.
To estimate the amount of each installment payment on the plan, use the LIS Plan Calculator. After you finish calculating the payments, submit and print the payment plan calculator form to use in your application.
Low-income homeowners experiencing hardship may be eligible for the Fixed-Term, Income-Based (FTI) plan.
Eligibility
You're eligible for the plan if:
Plan Duration
The term of the plan is calculated by dividing the total amount of income (2%, 4%, 6%, or 8% of AGI) by the monthly or quarterly payment amount.
After your plan expires, you must:
Amount of Deferred Payments
While you are on the plan, your monthly or quarterly payments for delinquent and projected taxes and charges due will be limited to 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
You should choose a payment percentage that best fits your budget. The more tax payments that are deferred, the higher the amount you will eventually have to repay.
To estimate the amount of each installment payment on the plan, use the FTI Plan Calculator. After you finish calculating the payments, submit and print the payment plan calculator form to use in your application.
Homeowners experiencing extenuating circumstances may be eligible the Extenuating Circumstances Income-Based (ECI) plan.
Eligibility
You're eligible for the plan if:
Extenuating circumstances involves the loss of income due to death, serious illness, or unemployment of owner or immediate family member, or enrollment in DEP’s Water Debt Assistance Program. You must submit documentation to prove your extenuating circumstance, such as a death certificate, income tax return, or medical document.
Plan Duration
The term of the plan is for a minimum of one year, but it may be extended if situation persists.
After your plan expires, you must:
Amount of Deferred Payments
While you are on the plan, your monthly or quarterly payments for delinquent and projected taxes and charges due will be limited to 2%, 4%, 6%, or 8% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
You should choose a payment percentage that best fits your budget. The more tax payments that are deferred, the higher the amount you will eventually have to repay.
To estimate the amount of each installment payment on the plan, use the ECI Plan Calculator. After you finish calculating the payments, submit and print the payment plan calculator form to use in your application.
To apply, you must choose which plan you want to apply for and submit a completed PT AID application and the required documents online, in person, or by mail.
Online
Documents may be sent as photos or scanned.
In Person
Bring your completed application and the required documents to a DOF Business Center. Paper applications are available at all DOF Business Centers. No appointment is necessary, however you can schedule an appointment to ensure social distancing at the centers.
By Mail
Initial Application
Online
Download the:
By Mail
To apply for PT AID, you must provide:
If DOF determines that you are eligible, you will be asked to pay for a title search report to identify mortgages and liens that affect your property's value.
If the Department of Finance confirms your eligibility, a title search report will be required of your property.
DOF will notify you by mail within 15 days whether your application has been approved or disapproved, or if more information is needed to be able to process your application.
Properties with incomplete applications will be placed in the next tax lien sale cycle if the application is not completed within 45 days or if DOF rejects the application.
Homeowners in the Extenuating Circumstances Plan (ECI) or Fixed-Term Income-Based Plan (FTI) must renew annually.
DOF will mail a PT AID Renewal Change Form two months prior to the expiration date of the plan you are enrolled in. You must complete the form and mail back to DOF.
You can also request to change the PT AID plan that you are enrolled in or the terms of the plan. You can make only one change to the terms of the agreement every 6 months.
If the ownership of the property has changed you will need to submit documentation (if someone was added to or removed from the deed, or one spouse passed away).
Low-Income Seniors (LIS) Plan
You will leave the program if:
When you leave the program, you or your beneficiary will have nine months to arrange for payment of deferred amounts. Failure to do so may cause the City to sell the tax lien.
If the owner is deceased, the surviving spouse will have 18 months to arrange for payment of deferred amounts. They may apply for deferral separately.
Fixed-Term, Income-Based (FTI) or Extenuating Circumstances (ECI) Plan
You will leave the program if:
When you leave the program, you will have nine months to arrange for payment of deferred amounts. Failure to do so may cause the City to sell the tax lien.
You can get answers to questions about PT AID and help applying or making payments on the program.
Online
Learn more about the PT AID program.
Contact the Department of Finance.
By Mail
Send a brief description of your request and include your phone number and address.
