Legal Support Motor Vehicle and Property Tax Benefits and Licensing
Legal Support Motor Vehicle and Property Tax Benefits and Licensing
New Jersey State Bar Association
The New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) through its Military Law and Veterans Affairs Committee, in conjunction with McCarter & English, LLP has established the Military Legal Assistance Program, a pro-bono – i.e., free – program to provide assistance to New Jersey residents who have served overseas as active duty members of Reserve components of the Armed Forces after September 11,2001.Many returning Veterans have been adversely affected by reason of their status, change of status, or long deployment. It is anticipated there is a need for legal assistance for these military personnel in civil matters. The program can offer assistance in Family Law, Employment Law and Debtor-Creditor Law. The program will refer members of the military who contact NJSBA to volunteers qualified to assist with their specific needs. Volunteers who accept the case must agree to handle such case from inception to resolution without compensation or reimbursement for expenses.
New Jersey State Bar Association One Constitution Square
New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Website: tcms.njsba.com 1-732-249-5000NJ Veterans Diversion Program
Active and former service members charged with certain criminal offenses may be eligible for diversion to mental health and rehabilitative treatment rather than face traditional criminal prosecution. Veteran mentors assist veterans navigate the justice system and get the help they need.The program offers access to counseling services for drugs or alcohol dependency, job placement assistance, medical services, and VA benefits.
The preferred method to apply is online through the NJDMAVA website at: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/ services/diversion-program/
Copy of the Veterans Diversion Resource Entities Directory: https://www.nj.gov/military/veterans/services/diversion- program/veterans-diversion-resource-entities-directory.pdflegal Assistance
U.S. Army Support Activity
Fort Dix
Legal Assistance Office
Bldg 5165-A Maryland Avenue JB-MDL, NJ 08640 1-609-562-3295JB-MDL Legal Office
2901 Falcon Avenue McGuire AFB 1-609-754-2010
NJNG Legal Office
3650 Saylor Pond Road Fort Dix 1-609-562-0942 http://www.dix.army.mil
Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940
If you are a reserve service member called to active duty, you are protected by a law that can save you some legal problems and possibly some money. Under the provisions of the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA) you may qualify for reduced interest rates on mortgage payments and credit card debt, protection from eviction (if your rent is $1200 or less), and/ or delay of all civil court actions such as bankruptcy, foreclosure or divorce proceedings. Although all service members receive some protection under the SSCRA, additional protections are available to reserve components called to active duty. For more information contact your unit or installation legal assistance office.
Professional or Occupational Licenses
Signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine on August 12, 2008
Any license issued by a professional or occupational board designated in section 2 of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-15) and any registration issued under the “New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act,” P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.), will not expire while the licensee or registrant is an active member of the Armed Forces of the United States and will be extended for up to 120 days after the licensee’s or registrant’s return from active service. If the license or registration is renewed during the 120-day period after the licensee’s or registrant’s return from active service, and the licensee or registrant submits documentation verifying his or her active military service, the licensee or registrant will only be responsible for normal fees and activities relating to renewal of the license or registration and will not be charged any additional costs, such as, but not limited to, late fees or delinquency fees.
As defined in this bill, “active member” means an individual or member of an organized unit ordered into active service in the Armed Forces of the United States by reason of membership in a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States. The reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States includes the New Jersey National Guard and naval militia.
The bill also makes a technical amendment to section 18 of “The State Plumbing Law of 1968,” P.L.1968, c.362 (C.45:14C-18), to remove a provision of that law that would conflict with the new provisions of the bill, which have general application to all professions and occupations regulated by Title 45 of the Revised Statutes.
45:1-2.1 Applicability of act.
1. The provisions of this act shall apply to the following boards and commissions: the New Jersey State Board of
Accountancy, the New Jersey State Board of Architects, the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, the State Board of Mortuary Science of New Jersey, the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, the State Board of Medical Examiners, the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists, the State Board of Examiners of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians, the Board of Pharmacy, the State Board of Professional Planners, the State Board of Psychological Examiners, the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, the State Board of Court Reporting, the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, the Acupuncture Examining Board, the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the State Board of Respiratory Care, the State Real Estate Appraiser Board, the State Board of Social Work Examiners, the State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, the Orthotics and Prosthetics Board of Examiners, the New Jersey Cemetery Board, the State Board of Polysomnography, the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy and any other entity hereafter created under Title 45 to license or otherwise regulate a profession or occupation.
New Jersey Property Tax programs Income Tax Exemption for Veterans
You are eligible for a $6,000 exemption on your Income Tax return if you are a military veteran who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States on or any time before the last day of the tax year. Your spouse (or civil union partner) is also eligible for an exemption if he/she is a veteran who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances and you are filing a joint return.
This exemption is in addition to any other exemptions you are entitled to claim and is available on both the resident and nonresident returns. You cannot claim this exemption for a domestic partner or for your dependents. Note: This exemption can only be claimed by qualifying veterans, it does not pass through to a surviving spouse.https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/military/ vetexemption.shtml
Property Tax Exemption for Veterans
The New Jersey Property Tax Exemption/Deduction requires a Veteran to serve during a specific war time period. New Jersey amended wartime service criteria for the 100 percent Disabled Veteran’s Property Tax Exemption effective January 16, 2018. Wartime service in a specified geographic location for a minimum number of days is no longer required. If the veteran was on active duty during any of the statutory service periods listed on the form, he or she meets the wartime service criterion for exemption. Other requirements, such as honorable discharge, property ownership, disability, etc., are unchanged. This amendment does not apply to the $250 Veteran’s Property Tax Deduction.
Disabled Veteran Exemption requires a 100 percent VA Certificate of Disability. The exemption should be permanent and total, partial or temporary is non-qualifying. The property must be owned and occupied by the claimant, and must be their legal residence in this state.
An annual $250 Veterans Property Tax Deduction requires citizenship, state residency, active wartime service in the U.S. Armed Forces, honorable discharge, property ownership, and the timely completion of an application. If living, the Veteran must own the property in whole or in part to qualify for the deduction. Surviving spouse qualifies if all criteria are met. Eligibility for the deduction is established as of October 1 of the pre-tax year. The application can be filed at the local tax assessor’s office with appropriate documentation.
License to Vend
Honorably discharged veterans may obtain a no–fee license to vend any goods, wares, or merchandise, or solicit trade within the state. Licenses are procured from the county clerk’s office and regulated by municipalities. Contact your county clerk for an application.
Vendors must also register with the N.J. Division of Taxation, and collect and remit sales tax on required items.
Food vendors must also comply with state and local health licensing requirements. Contact the Division of Taxation at 1-609-826-4400 or 1-800-323-4400.
Licenses For Real Estate Brokers, Agents and Solicitors
These licenses are available at no charge to a Veteran who has served during a war period and a service connected disability certified by VA. The Veteran is required to take any prescribed qualifying courses and necessary state examinations.
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New Jersey Licenses, Registrations are extended for Deployed Troops
New Jersey residents who are active duty, including the National Guard and the Reserves, serving in the Global War on Terrorism, are eligible for automatic extensions of a valid driver license, registration or inspection expiration dates.
For more information visit http://www.nj.gov/mvc New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)
Driver’s license Veteran designation
The Motor Vehicle Commission began issuing permanent imprinted veteran designation on driver licenses and non-driver ID cards. You may request your permanent imprinted veteran designation driver license or non-driver ID card by following the instructions at: https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/drivertopics/ vetdesignation.htm
Parking placards
New Jersey disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients are eligible for motor vehicle placards that exempt them from payment of municipal parking meter fees, for up to 24 hours. These placards are available at any Motor Vehicle Commission agency or by mail, and are subject to renewal/recertification every three years.
The holder of a disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient placard can also be issued a Person with a Disability (PWAD) placard, if eligible. For more information, visit http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/vehicletopics/disvet.htm
CDL waiver
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is helping military personnel transition their military driving experience into civilian employment. By waiving the CDL Skills Test (behind-the-wheel exam),qualified military applicants.Veterans seeking the CDL waiver must meet certain requirements and present specific documentation, including:
• Satisfactory proof he/she was a member of a branch of the active or reserve component of the military within the last 12 months in a military position requiring the
operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV).
A current or expired military commercial driver’s license and a valid New Jersey driver’s license.
A completed Military CDL Skills Test Waiver Form certified by a commanding officer.
Successful completion of a CDL knowledge and vision test.
Presenting 6 Points of ID and proof of primary address.
A CDL Holder Self-Certificate and Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/drivertopics/militarywaiver.htm
Automobile Registration
Veterans who are 100 percent disabled may also be eligible for automobile financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Application for plates and registrations are processed by Motor Vehicle Services. Applications are available at local Motor Vehicle Agencies. Phone: 609-292-6500.
No Fee Automobile Registration for Medal Of Honor Recipients
Medal of Honor recipients are eligible for a no fee registra- tion and will receive special license plates noting their award. License to Vend – Honorably discharged Veterans may obtain a no-fee license to vend any goods, wares or merchandise, or solicit trade within the state (NJSA 45:24-9).
Licenses are procured from the county clerk’s office (NJSA 45:24-10) and regulated by municipalities. Contact your county clerk for an application.
Fishing and Hunting Licenses
The NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife will annually issue license free to each qualified disabled veteran. To be eligible, the Veteran must be a resident of New Jersey that has been honorably discharged and declared by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service connected disability of any degree.
Eligibility
New Jersey residents who are eligible must be:
A resident of New Jersey that has been honorably discharged, or released under honorable circumstances, from active service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States
Declared by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected disability of any degree.
Verification
Verification of discharge and service connected diability.This may be completed by presenting the following credentials:
Proof of disability by producing a letter of certifiction from the Department of Veterans Affairs, a wallet sized card from the VA indicating status or a photocopy of your monthly disability check indicating your status.
Proof of residency by showing a driver’s license, or resident hunting/fishing license.
Note ** Also free to current members of the Army/Air National Guard.
NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife
501 East State Street, 3rd floor PO Box 400 Trenton, NJ 08625-0400
Attn: Disabled Veteran LicensingThe Northern Region Office 26 Route 173 West Hampton Hunterdon County
Phone: 1-908-735-7040The Central Region Office 1 Eldridge Road Robbinsville
Monmouth County Phone: 1-609-259-2132Nacote Creek
Route 9, Mile Marker 51 Port Republic
Atlantic County Phone: 1-609-748-2020The Pequest Trout Hatchery 605 Pequest Road
Oxford
Warren CountyPhone: 1-908-637-4125
The Southern Region Office 220 Blue Anchor Road Sicklerville
Camden CountyPhone: 1-856-629-0552
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PO 1(NJ) Paul Kale NJNM-JC.
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