01 Aug Can I apply for property tax breaks for someone who died?

Q. My father passed away Jan. 30, 2024 and my mother just passed on April 21, 2025. How can I apply for the property tax benefits for the estates?
— Executor

A. We are sorry to hear of your loss.

You should complete Form PAS-1.

But it’s complicated.

It’s important to know the benefits that are being paid out now are for the 2024 tax year.

From the instructions to complete the form for someone who has died, Oct. 1, 2024 is a key date for eligibility.

“If the applicant died on or after October 1, 2024, report the income for all of 2023 and 2024. If the applicant died prior to October 1, 2024, the decedent is not eligible,” it said.

So you can file for your mom, but your dad died too early to be eligible for 2024.

The state may have mailed your parents a letter saying it was applying automatically on their behalf. So before you file — and because of the deaths potentially changing their eligibility — consider calling the state hotline to make sure things go more smoothly.

The number is (888) 238-1233.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published in August 2025.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.