Tax/Utility Collector
Crystal M.Brinson, CTC
50 Railroad Avenue • Waretown, NJ 08758
609-693-3302 ext. 226
Send E-Mail
https://ocean-oceancounty.newjerseytaxsale.com/
***Under Executive Order 229, no household in New Jersey can have its electricity, gas or water service shut off due to non-payment through June 30, 2021. (Extended to December 31, 2021 under Executive order 246). No gas or electric public or municipal utility or privately or publicly owned water system shall collect any fee or charge imposed for late or otherwise untimely payments or service reconnections that have accrued, and will continue to accrue, during the Public Health Emergency.
Customer Assistance:
If you're having trouble affording your utility bills, there are some options for help.:
1. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps New Jersey households pay for heating costs and certain medically-necessary cooling expenses. Renters who have their heating costs included in their rent may also qualify. Applications for LIHEAP are accepted from October 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. To print applications, review eligibility requirements, locate your county application agency, visit www.energyassistance.nj.gov or call 1-800-510-3102.
2. NJ Lifeline Credit Program:
Lifeline provides an annual energy benefit to qualified seniors and the disabled. The benefit can help eligible homeowners and renters with electric and/or natural gas costs. You can apply for Lifeline by using the NJSave application, available at www.aging.nj.gov. For more information about Lifeline, call 1-800-792-9745, or https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/home/lifelinedetail.html
Lifeline is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS).
3. New Jersey 211:
Dial 2-1-1 any day, any time for confidential referrals to local health and human service assistance services or search NJ 2-1-1’s on-line database at: www.nj211.org.
2-1-1- is funded by the United Ways of NJ in partnership Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2021 with the State of New Jersey.
Social Services in New Jersey may be aware of additional resources and programs.
For additional assistance go to: http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/SocialServices/.
INFORMATION for TAXPAYERS
The following are some helpful hints from the tax department.
1. When will I receive my tax bill?
Tax bills are mailed once a year, usually by July. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the owner from paying property taxes. It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain a Bill if none is received (NJSA 54:4-64).
2. When is my tax payment due?
Payment is due on a quarterly basis. There is a 10 day grace period from each of the due dates after which interest is charged. The due dates are listed below. August Due Date is determined by mailing date if mailed later than July 16th
Tax Quarter |
Due Date |
1st |
Feb 1st |
2nd |
May 1st |
3rd |
Aug. 1st |
4th |
Nov. 1st |
10 Grace Period |
3. How should I make out my check?
- Payable to the Township of Ocean
- Place block and lot numbers on the lower left corner of the check,
better known as the "memo section".
- Date the check with the same date you are writing the check.
No post-dated checks will be accepted.
- Make sure amounts match in both places.
- Postmark is not accepted.
4. How should I pay my taxes?
* Tax payments may be paid by mail or in person.
When paying by mail, please send a check with the appropriate payment stub. The cancelled check will be the receipt.
If paying in person, please bring your check and the entire bill and you will be given a receipt in the office.
Make sure to have the bill handy for Blo c k & L o t # and amount due.
{There is a fee for this service ~~ Credit Cards ARE NOT Accepted in TownHall)
If paying in person - after hours:
** New Outside Drop Box for Tax & Utility{W/S} Payments **
Payments can be placed anytime in the New Mailbox outside Town Hall.
Payments MUST be in a sealed envelope – NO CASH!
Payments will be posted the NEXT BUSINESS DAY. **Interest May Apply.
Payments are now payable Online thru the Look up
|
5. What is the interest rate?
The interest rate is 8% for balances of less than $1,500 and 18% for balances in excess of $1,500. This will be charged back to the original due date.
6. My mortgage company pays my taxes, what are my responsibilities?
You should only receive the "advice copy" of your bill if your mortgage company pays your taxes. If you receive an original copy of the tax bill you should copy it for your records and mail the original to your mortgage company.
7. What do I need to do if I refinance or sell my home?
It is in the best interest to you, your mortgage holder and the new buyer that you have your current tax bill on hand at closing. Whether this is a refinance or sale, the new owner or your mortgage company will need to know the next quarterly amount of tax due.
8. I receive a senior citizen deduction on my property, is there anything I need to do to maintain this deduction?
On or before March 1st, taxpayers who receive certain tax deductions must file an annual post tax year statement certifying their income for the prior year.
9. What happens if I do not pay the property taxes?
A lien will be sold against the property if there are any unpaid taxes owed from the previous year, this may also include any water and/or sewer charges or any other municipal charges. *See Below
10. Who buys these liens?
Usually people who are looking to invest money. The interest rate starts at 18%. However, if there is more than one person interested in the same parcel, they will start bidding down the interest rate. Once the bidders bid down to 0%, it will go into a premium starting at multiples of $100.
11. What happens once a lien has been sold on the property?
The person who purchased the lien will receive a legal document referred to as a "tax certificate" which must be recorded with the Ocean County Clerk. The certificate must be held for 2 years from the date of sale. After 2 years they may start to foreclose on the property. The homeowner has the right to redeem the tax sale certificate any time prior to the final judgment being filed.
**Tax Sale - any Taxes, water and/or sewer that is delinquent as of Nov 11, shall be Subject to Tax Sale - (N.J.S.A. 54:5.19)
*************************************************************
Delinquent Information can be found at the Tax & Utility Look UP:
http://wipp.edmundsassoc.com/Wipp1521/
Certified Funds ONLY will be accepted for 2011 balances after January 1st, 2012 and additional costs apply.
12. Foreclosure Help Links
www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/foreclosureprevention_resources.pdf
www.state.nj.us/dobi/njhope/
