“The most common question we heard was, ‘Did I fill this out correctly?’” said Kathy DiOrio, the borough’s part-time tax collector, of the property tax session for seniors at borough hall on July 15.
Dozens of local seniors headed to Berlin borough hall on July 15 for a three-hour session on property taxes designed to help eligible homeowners and renters 65 and older – or those receiving Social Security disability benefits – to apply for critical tax relief programs.
The event was a joint initiative between Berlin officials and ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) aimed at increasing awareness and access to three major state relief programs. Besides ANCHOR they are Senior Freeze and a new initiative, StayNJ.
Seniors got one-on-one support with 2024 PAS-1 applications, with both electronic and paper options available on site. Representatives answered questions, clarified eligibility criteria and properly guided participants through the application process.
“Our goal was to provide one-on-one assistance in a comfortable setting, ensure accurate completion of applications and increase awareness of available tax relief programs for our senior community,” said Kathy DiOrio, the borough’s part-time tax collector and the full-time tax collector in Deptford.
“This was a joint effort with our borough administrator, Ann Marie Miller; Mayor Rick Miller; and the borough committee to make sure our seniors are taken care of in the best way possible.”
According to DiOrio, the event had a strong turnout.
“Many of our seniors thanked us multiple times and were grateful for the opportunity to speak directly with New Jersey representatives,” she noted. “The most common question we heard was, ‘Did I fill this out correctly?’”
The PAS-1 application now bundles all three tax relief programs into a single form, making it easier for residents to apply and increasing the likelihood of a maximum benefit. ANCHOR provides up-front rebates for homeowners and renters; Senior Freeze reimburses senior and disabled taxpayers for property-tax increases; and StayNJ, a new initiative, aims to reimburse seniors for up to 50% of their tax burden.
“These programs each target a different facet of relief, and together, they can dramatically reduce the financial burden on our senior population,” said DiOrio. “The programs help prevent displacement, improve financial flexibility and allow seniors to maintain their homes and quality of life.”
As the tax collector for Berlin, Deptford, Oldmans Township, and Lower Alloways Creek Township, DiOrio is uniquely positioned to advocate for area seniors.
“My role involves ensuring accurate billing, collection and recording of property taxes, while serving as a point of contact for residents with tax-related questions,” she explained. “These events help bridge the communication gap between residents and the state, and allow us to advocate effectively for our senior population.”
For seniors who missed the Berlin session, DiOrio encourages attendance at upcoming events in nearby towns and connection with a town’s municipal offices.
“If someone is unsure whether they qualify, my advice is simple: apply,” she emphasized. “The state of New Jersey will determine eligibility and you might be entitled to benefits you didn’t expect.”
The filing deadline for all three tax relief programs is Oct. 31. Residents are encouraged to apply early and reach out to their tax office with any questions.
“We are here to serve our community the best way possible,” DiOrio pointed out. “This event was just the beginning.”
