Filing your income tax return as a New Jersey resident does not need to be overwhelming. This guide will help you file your 2013 New Jersey tax forms using only official resources from the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Whether you are working with federal tax forms from the IRS, state income tax forms, or supporting paperwork such as property tax reimbursement applications and the Senior Freeze program, you will find step-by-step guidance here. These instructions ensure you have access to the proper forms and understand the process clearly.
The deadline for submitting your 2013 return is April 15, 2014; missing it can lead to penalties and interest. You can have your return filed electronically, which speeds up refund delivery and allows payments to be made directly from your bank account using an e-check. If you prefer, you can still submit a paper return by mail. No matter how you file, you’ll need details like your Social Security number, income statements, and prior-year tax records to complete the process accurately.
This guide serves both first-time filers and experienced taxpayers. Whether you must complete a Jersey resident return, pay additional taxes online, or claim a refund for the current year, these instructions ensure you meet all requirements. From understanding how to calculate income tax to knowing when to use specific forms, you’ll have the information to file, pay, and manage your account confidently.
Understanding the basic requirements helps you determine your filing obligations and prepare the necessary documents before you begin.
Your filing status and gross income determine whether you must submit a New Jersey income tax return for 2013.
Age does not factor into filing requirements. Students, senior citizens, and taxpayers of all ages must file if they meet the income thresholds. You should also file if New Jersey withheld taxes from your pay and you expect a refund, or if you qualify for the New Jersey earned income tax credit.
The Division of Taxation implemented several important updates that affect your 2013 return preparation.
Using official New Jersey tax forms ensures compliance and prevents processing delays that unofficial sources might cause.
The New Jersey Division of Taxation website provides all authorized forms for the 2013 tax year at no cost.
Most taxpayers living in New Jersey during 2013 should use Form NJ-1040 for their return preparation. This includes full-year residents who lived in the state for the entire year and part-year residents who moved into or out of New Jersey during 2013. Nonresidents who earned income in New Jersey but lived elsewhere must use Form NJ-1040NR instead of the standard resident form.
These detailed steps ensure you complete your return accurately and include all required information.
Before starting your return, collect all necessary tax documents to avoid interruptions during preparation. You need all W-2 forms from employers, focusing on the "State wages" figure in Box 16 rather than federal wages, along with 1099-R forms for pension and retirement distributions. Include 1099-MISC forms showing New Jersey withholdings, 1099-INT and 1099-DIV forms for interest and dividend income, and records of estimated tax payments made during 2013. Property tax bills or rent receipts support deduction claims, and your previous year's New Jersey tax return provides reference information for consistent filing.
Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on official documents to prevent processing delays. Write your name with the last name first, which differs from the formatting requirements for federal tax forms. If filing jointly, provide your Social Security Number and your spouse's number, then fill in your complete address, including the county and municipality code. Mark the change of address indicator if your address has changed since your last filing, and select only one filing status option to avoid processing complications.
Accurate income reporting forms the foundation of your tax calculation and determines your final tax liability. Enter wages from the "State wages" box (Box 16) of all W-2 forms on Line 14, not the federal wages amount. Report all taxable interest income on Line 15 and dividend income on Line 16. Use Line 19a for taxable pension and annuity income, then complete the new Line 19b for the excludable portion of distributions from pensions, annuities, or IRAs to which you made contributions. Continue through all applicable income lines to calculate your total New Jersey gross income.
Claiming deductions and exemptions reduces your taxable income and lowers your overall tax burden. Calculate personal and dependent exemptions based on your filing status and qualifying dependents. Enter allowable deductions, including medical expenses that exceed the threshold, alimony payments made during the year, and qualified conservation contributions. Consider claiming the property tax deduction if you paid property taxes on New Jersey real estate or rent for your New Jersey residence during 2013.
Use the appropriate tax calculation method to determine the exact amount you owe or the refund you should receive. Apply the tax table or rate schedules based on your taxable income and filing status to calculate your initial tax liability. Subtract any credits you qualify for, such as the earned income tax or dependent care credits. Account for New Jersey income tax withheld from your paychecks throughout the year. Include any estimated tax payments you made during 2013 to determine your final balance due or refund amount.
Choose the filing method that best suits your situation and ensures timely submission before the deadline.
Electronic filing provides the fastest processing and most secure method for submitting your income tax return to the Division of Taxation.
Paper filing remains available for taxpayers who prefer traditional submission methods or cannot access electronic options.
Multiple payment options accommodate different preferences and ensure you can meet your tax obligations conveniently.
Online payment systems provide immediate processing and confirmation for tax payments through your bank account or credit card.
Traditional payment methods remain available for taxpayers who prefer check or money order submissions with their returns.
Important note: When paying electronically through the website, do not use the payment voucher or enter payment amounts on your return.
Track your refund status or remaining balance through official channels to stay informed about your account.
Multiple methods allow you to monitor your refund processing and expected delivery timeline.
Understanding processing timelines helps set appropriate expectations for refund delivery and account updates.
Review these essential items before submitting your return to ensure completeness and accuracy.
The filing deadline for your 2013 Jersey tax return was April 15, 2014. Returns had to be filed electronically or sent as a paper return postmarked by that date to avoid penalties—late filing results in interest charges on any income tax balance owed. Always confirm deadlines with the Division of Taxation, as current-year requirements may differ.
You may still file your New Jersey income tax forms after the deadline, but penalties and interest will apply to unpaid amounts. If you need more time to complete your paperwork, submit Form NJ-630 for a six-month extension. This gives you until October to file your return but does not extend the deadline for paying taxes due.
You generally do not need to file if your gross income was below the filing thresholds ($10,000 for single filers or $20,000 for joint filers). However, you should still submit income tax forms if New Jersey withheld taxes from your pay. Filing also allows you to claim refundable credits and receive a refund of amounts owed from the Division of Taxation.
To correct errors, file Form NJ-1040X with the Division of Taxation. This amended return allows you to report omitted income, claim missed deductions, or request an additional refund. You usually have three years from the original due date to file. Amending your income tax forms ensures your records remain accurate and avoids possible issues with state and federal tax forms.
If you were a part-year resident, you must still file using Form NJ-1040. However, you’ll need to prorate exemptions, deductions, and credits according to your period of New Jersey residency. The Division of Taxation provides clear instructions for part-year cases. Filing ensures you correctly report Jersey income tax while avoiding mistakes that could delay your refund or increase taxes owed.
Military pensions are fully exempt from Jersey income tax, regardless of your age or disability status. Depending on your contributions and distribution type, other pensions may be partially or fully taxable. Always review current instructions from the Division of Taxation when completing income tax forms to determine what portions of retirement benefits are taxable and what amounts may be excluded.
Should you suspect fraudulent use of your identity for income tax purposes, promptly file Form IDT-100 with the Division of Taxation. Reporting quickly lets the state secure your account, investigate suspicious activity, and block improper refunds. Protecting your personal details, including your Social Security number, ensures that current and prior-year income tax records remain accurate.