Finance & Purchasing

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Executive Summary

The Borough of Carteret's Finance and Purchasing Departments are responsible for a range of financial and procurement activities, including accounts payable, municipal budget preparation, financial statement creation, bill payments, and budget control. The Purchasing Office oversees the procurement of goods and services in accordance with the Local Public Contracts Law, handling bids, quotes, purchase orders, and contracts. The Tax Collection Department maintains tax and sewer usage accounts, mailing tax bills annually in July with quarterly due dates in February, May, August, and November.

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Finance & Purchasing
Contact Information
Thomas J. Deverin Center
Finance Department
100 Cooke Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
Phone:
732-541-3820 ext 3818
Annual Audit Reports
Annual Bill Lists
Annual Budgets
Annual Debt Statements
Annual Financial Statements
RFPs & RFQs
UEZ Downtown Capital and Facade Improvement Grant Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I contact the Tax Collection office by email?
You can send email to:
onafoworao@carteret.net
How do I determine what my current tax payment status is?
Presently there are 4 methods:
a. Read your current statement
b. Go to the
Borough’s Web Site
c. Call the Tax Collection Dept. (732) 541 -3820 ext. 3818
d. Send inquiry via email to:
onafoworao@carteret.net
What are the hours of the Tax Collector’s Office?
The office of the Tax Collector is open Monday through Friday, 8:OOam to 4:OOpm
When will I receive my tax bill?
Tax bills are mailed once a year in July. Included in that bill are payment stubs for August, November, February & May. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the owner from paying property taxes.
When is my tax payment due?
The quarterly due dates are as follows: February 1, May 1, August 1, November l. There is a ten day grace period from each of the above dates which interest is charged.
What is the interest rate?
The interest rate is 8% interest on the first $1,500.00, and 18% for balances in excess of $1,500.00. This will be charged back to the original due date.
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 canceled check will be the receipt. In person, please bring the entire bill and it will be receipted in the office. Automatic debit to your account and on line payment are also available for your convenience.
My mortgage company pays my taxes, what are my responsibilities?
You should only receive the advice copy of your tax bill if your lending institution 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 lending institution.
If I were to refinance or sell my home, what do I need to do?
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 any closing. Should this be a refinance, the new mortgage company will need to know the next quarterly amount of tax due. For a sale the new owner will also need this information.
I receive a senior deduction on my property, what can 1 do to maintain this deduction?
On or before March 1, taxpayers receiving certain tax deductions must file an annual post tax year statement certifying income for the prior year.
Why is property assessed?
Real property is assessed in order to determine the basis on which property taxes are levied on each parcel of real property. All real property is taxable except property specifically exempted by law.
Who Assesses property?
Real property is assessed by the Borough’s Tax Assessor.
What is estimated market value?
Estimated market value is the Assessor’s determination of the value of your property for real estate tax purposes only.
What is assessed value?
The assessed value is a percentage of estimated market value and will be the basis for your real estate tax bill.
What is the “Notice of Assessment”?
This is an official notice of your property’s assessment value for the current year which is mailed by the Borough’s Assessor prior to February 1st.
What should I do about this notice?
Absolutely nothing unless you disagree with the Borough’s determination of your assessment.
How can I appeal my assessment?
First, you should contact the Tax Assessor’s office (732) 541 -3820 Ext 3110 to discuss the assessment. If you would still like to file an appeal after that, you may contact the Middlesex County Tax Board (732) 745 -3350 in New Brunswick for an Appeal Information Package.
The Finance & the Purchasing Departments work together as one department. The functions performed within the Finance Department consist of maintaining accounts payable, preparation of the Municipal Budget, Annual Financial and Debt Statements, payment of bills, monitoring monthly budget controls and all other related accounting responsibilities. The Purchasing Office is responsible for the procurement of goods and services, in compliance with the Local Public Contracts Law. This centralized office receives bids and quotes when mandated, and oversees the process and award of all purchase orders and contracts. All state contracts and Middlesex County cooperative pricing contracts are maintained in this department.
Department Head / Staff Information
Patrick J. DeBlasio
CPA/CMFO/CGFM/CTC
Olusoga Onafowora
Deputy Director of Finance & Admin, MBA Finance
Jay Briscione
Tax Assessor, CTA
Barbara Baumgartner
Benefits/Payroll
Ricardo Llanos
Borough Treasurer/Assistant CFO/QPA/Translator
Linda Kimball
Escrow/Tax Assessor Dept
Cristian Diaz
Marina Manager/Finance Clerk
Michelle Blacknall
Tax Department Cashier/Financial Assistant/Tax Collector
Samandeep Kaur
Part Time Tax Department Cashier
Emily Marte
Part Time Tax Collection Clerk
Gloria Lisicki
Part Time Finance Clerk
Aleksandra Chubenko
Part Time Finance Clerk
Department Information
Tax Collection
The Tax Collection Department is responsible for maintaining over 8,000 individual tax accounts and a like number of sewer usage accounts. Amounts charged and payments made are all individually maintained. The office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Tax bills are mailed annually in July by the Borough. The taxes are due February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. A ten (10) grace period is provided by Borough resolution.
Tax installments not paid by the due date are subject to 8% interest on the first $1,500.00 of the delinquency and 18% on any amount in excess of $1,500.00. Also, any delinquency exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) pays a six percent (6 %) year -end penalty. These interest and penalties are the highest permitted under New Jersey statutes. Delinquent taxes open for one year or more are annually included in a tax sale in accordance with New Jersey statutes.
2024 Tax Maps
Tax Relief Program
Online Tax and Sewer Payments
Tax and Sewer Payments Online
Tax Sale
Tax Lien Auction
Tax Assessors Office
The Tax Assessors Office is responsible for all assessment figures, addresses, mortgage holders, veteran deductions and senior deductions.
Senior Citizen /Veteran Deductions
Seniors
— If you were 65 years or older as of December 31’` of the previous year, you may be eligible for a deduction of $250.00 annually, from your gross tax amount. Applicants must own and reside in the home on which the deduction is claimed. There is an income limitation of $10,000.00 combined income if married, excluding social security.
Veterans —
If you have served in the armed forces or if you are a widow of a veteran that never remarried, you may be eligible for a deduction of $250.00 annually, from your gross tax amount. There is 100% permanently disabled veteran deduction which grants full tax exemption for qualified veterans.
2020 Veterans Exemption
APPLICATIONS AND QUESTIONS FOR THE ABOVE DEDUCTION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE TAX ASSESSOR’S OFFICE AT (732) 541 -3820 ext 3818
Property information can be obtained from
The New Jersey County Tax Board Association
NJ Rebate Programs
There are some separate and district property relief programs available to New Jersey Homeowners:
Property Tax Reimbursement Program 1- 800 – 882 -6597
Homestead Property Tax Rebate Program 1- 800 – 238 -1233
Property Tax Reimbursement –
NJ State Treasury Taxation Reimbursement

Document Text

--- Document: 2020 Veterans Exemption ---
CLAIM FOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION ON DWELLING OF DISABLED
VETERAN OR SURVIVING SPOUSE/CIVIL UNION OR DOMESTIC PARTNER
OF DISABLED VETERAN OR SERVICEPERSON
(N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.30 et seq. as amended by. P.L.2019, c.413; N.J.A.C. 18:28-1.1 et seq.)
IMPORTANT: File this completed claim with your municipal tax assessor. (See General Guidelines)
1. CLAIMANT NAME
Name(s) of veteran claimant owner (& spouse, as tenants by entirety, or civil union or domestic partner) or of
surviving spouse/civil union or domestic partner permanently residing in dwelling.
2. DWELLING LOCATION
Street Address of claimant owner's principal residence
Phone #
Email
County
Block
Lot
Municipality
Qualifier
3. DISABLED VETERAN/SURVIVING SPOUSE/CIVIL UNION OR DOMESTIC PARTNER OF DISABLED
VETERAN OR SERVICEPERSON (Check A, B, or C)
A.Honorably discharged 100% permanently and totally disabled veteran with active duty service in
United States Armed Forces. ATTACH copy DD214.
B.Surviving spouse/civil union or domestic partner of honorably discharged 100% permanently and totally
disabled veteran with active duty service in United States Armed Forces; and I have not
remarried/formed a new registered civil union or domestic partnership. ATTACH copy DD214.
C.Surviving spouse/civil union or domestic partner of serviceperson who died on active duty in the United
States Armed Forces; and I have not remarried/formed a new registered civil union or domestic
partnership. ATTACH copy Military Notification of Death.
IMPORTANT CHANGE**November 3, 2020, an amendment to the State Constitution was approved by ballot vote.
This amendment implemented Public Law 2019, chapter. 413 which provides that N.J. resident honorably discharged
disabled veterans, or their surviving spouses no longer need to serve during a specific war period or other emergency
to receive the property tax exemption. This Act amends P.L. 1948, c. 259, and supplements chapter 4 of Title 54 of
the Revised Statutes.
This form is prescribed by the Director, Division of Taxation, as required by law, and may not be altered without the approval of the Director.
Form: D.V S.S.E.
Rev: November 2020,
Form pg 1 of 2
4. DISABILITY (Complete A and check B or C)
A.Date V.A. determined veteran 100% permanently and totally disabled
B. Service-connected disability declared to be a total or 100% permanent disability, and not so evaluated
solely because of hospitalization or surgery and recuperation, sustained through enemy action, or
accident, or resulting from disease contracted while in such service.
C.Service-connected disability rated unemployable with payment of 100% and stated to be totally and
permanently disabling.
5. OWNERSHIP & OCCUPANCY (Complete A, or B as applicable and C)
A.I (my spouse/civil union partner & 1, as tenants by entirety), solely own or hold legal title to the
above dwelling house.
B.
Partial owners: I (as joint tenant/tenant in common) own
Grantee (buyer)
name per deed. Deed Date
%.
C.
The dwelling house is One-Family and I occupy all of it as my principal residence.
OR the dwelling house is Multi-Unit and I occupy
% as my principal residence.
(insert date month/day/year), I, the above named veteran claimant
6. CITIZEN & RESIDENT (Complete A or B)
A. As of
was a legal or domiciliary resident of New Jersey.
B.
As of
(insert date - month/day/year), I, the above named surviving
spouse/civil union or domestic partner claimant was a legal or domiciliary resident of New Jersey;
and My deceased veteran or serviceperson spouse/civil union or domestic partner was a resident of
New Jersey at death.
I certify the above declarations are true to the best of my knowledge and belief and understand they will be considered as
if made under oath and subject to penalties for perjury if falsified.
Signature of claimant
Date
USE ONLY - Block
Lot
Qualifier
Approved
Disallowed
Assessor
Date
This form is prescribed by the Director, Division of Taxation, as required by law, and may not be altered without the approval of the Director
Form: D.V.S.S.E. Rev November 2020
Form pg 1 of 2
GENERAL GUIDELINES
APPLICATION FILING PERIOD
File this form with the municipal tax assessor at any time during the tax year. Partial or prorated exemption is permitted
for the remainder of any taxable year from the date ownership or title to the dwelling house is acquired provided all other
eligibility requirements are met. For example, where application is filed on June 1st of the tax year for exemption on a
dwelling house acquired on February 14th of the tax year, the assessed value is to be prorated for taxation purposes so that
44/365th's of the total assessment would be taxable and 321/365th's would be exempt.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
A. Disabled Veteran Claimant (must meet all 5 requirements)
1. have had active duty service in United States Armed Forces and been honorably discharged;
2. have a United States Veterans Administration aka U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certification of service-
3.
connected disability as described under #4 on front of this DVSSE Claim;
wholly or partially own or hold legal title to the dwelling house for which exemption is claimed;
4. occupy the dwelling house as the principal residence;
5. be a legal or domiciliary resident of New Jersey.
B. Surviving Spouse/Civil Union or Domestic Partner Claimant (must meet all 6 requirements)
1. document that the deceased veteran or serviceperson was a legal or domiciliary resident of New Jersey at death
who had active duty service in the United States Armed Forces and who was honorably discharged or who died
on active duty;
2. document that the deceased veteran had V. A. certified service-connected disability;
3. not have remarried/formed a new registered civil union or domestic partnership;
4. wholly or partially own or hold legal title to the claimed dwelling house;
5. occupy the dwelling house as the principal residence;
6. be a legal or domiciliary resident of New Jersey.
**NOTE - Claimants must inform the assessor of any change in status which may affect their continued entitlement to
the exemption.
DWELLING HOUSE & CURTILAGE DEFINED - Dwelling house means any one-family building or structure or
unit in a horizontal property regime or condominium or multiple-family building or structure on that portion occupied by
the claimant as his legal residence including any outhouses or appurtenances used for the dwelling's fair enjoyment.
Curtilage means the enclosed space of ground and buildings immediately surrounding the dwelling house and enjoyed
with it for its more convenient occupation.
DISABILITY DEFINED means a service-connected disability as described under #4 on front of this claim and
certified as such by the United States Veterans Administration aka U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
VETERAN DEFINED means any New Jersey citizen and resident honorably discharged from active duty service in
the United States Armed Forces. For assistance in documenting veterans' status, contact the NJ Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs at (609) 530-6958 or (609) 530-6854. The United States Veterans Administration aka
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can be reached at 1-800-827-1000.
This form is prescribed by the Director, Division of Taxation, as required by law, and may not be altered without the approval of the Director.
Form. DVS S.E.
Rev: November 2020
Form pg 1 of 2
SURVIVING SPOUSE/CIVIL UNION OR DOMESTIC PARTNER DEFINED - means the lawful widow or
widower/civil union or domestic partner of a disabled veteran or serviceperson who has not remarried/formed a new
registered civil union or domestic partnership.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE DEFINED means active duty military service. Active duty for training or field training
purposes as a member of a reserve component does NOT constitute active duty service unless activated into Federal
military service by Presidential or Congressional order.
CITIZEN AND RESIDENT DEFINED - United States Citizenship is not required. Resident for purposes of this
exemption means an individual who is legally domiciled in New Jersey. Domicile is the place you regard as your
permanent home - the place you intend to return to after a period of absence. You may have only one legal domicile even
though you may have more than one place of residence. Seasonal or temporary residence in this State, of whatever
duration, does not constitute domicile. Absence from the State for a 12 month period is prima facie evidence of
abandonment of domicile.
DOCUMENTARY PROOFS REQUIRED
Each assessor may require such proofs necessary to establish claimant's exemption entitlement and copies of any
documents should be attached to DVSSE Claim as part of the application.
MILITARY RECORDS - Certificate of Honorable Discharge or Release, Form DD214, or Military Notification of Death
or Certification of United States Veterans Administration aka Department of Veterans Affairs.
DISABILITY - Veterans Administration Certification of Disability.
SURVIVING SPOUSE/CIVIL UNION OR DOMESTIC PARTNER Death Certificate of Decedent, marriage
license/civil union or domestic partnership registration certificate.
OWNERSHIP - real property deed, executory contract for property purchase, or Probated Last Will and Testament if by
devise, or if intestate or without a will give names and relationships of decedent's heirs-at-law.
RESIDENCY - New Jersey driver's license or motor vehicle registration, voter's registration, N.J. resident tax return etc.
APPEALS A claimant may appeal any unfavorable determination by the assessor to the County Board of Taxation
annually on or before April I or on or before January 15 for residents of Burlington, Monmouth or Gloucester counties
only.
**NOTE- Public Law 2019, chapter 413 became operative when New Jersey voters approved a Constitutional
Amendment, effective December 4, 2020, to eliminate the wartime service requirement for both the $250
Veteran Property Tax Deduction and the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption.
RETROACTIVE REFUNDS - Although statute N.J.S.A.54:4-3.32 states that the governing body of each municipality,
at its discretion, may return all taxes collected on property which would have been exempt had proper claim in writing
been made, please remember that the statutory amendments are prospective and retroactive refunds cannot be made prior
to the date of Public Law 2017, chapter 367 which was January 16, 2018 unless the veteran served during specific
wartime service periods in specific statutory geographic locations/conflict zones. After P.L.2017,c.367 on January 16,
2018 up until the passage of P.L.2019, c.413 and receipt of Constitutional approval effective December 4, 2020 veteran
applicants for the 100% Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption were no longer required to have served in specific
geographic locations/conflict zones but, were still required to have served during a specific wartime period. After
December 3, 2020 wartime service is not required. The Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption can begin as soon as all
eligibility prerequisites are met. Active Duty Military Service, Honorable Discharge, and VA Certification of 100%
permanent & total disability are still required.
This form is prescribed by the Director, Division of Taxation, as required by law, and may not be altered without the approval of the Director
Form. D.V.S.S.E. Rev: November 2020
Form pg 1 of 2