To file your New Jersey state income tax return for the 2014 tax year, you need to pay close attention to the details and know what is required. If you complete your return correctly, you will get all the money back you are owed and avoid penalties and interest charges that can add up quickly. The New Jersey Division of Taxation processes thousands of tax returns annually. Filing correctly keeps you from making expensive mistakes and getting an audit.
This complete guide is for residents, part-year residents, and anyone unsure of what to do for tax year 2014. If you made money in New Jersey for the whole year or moved there in 2014, knowing what you need to do will help you follow the state's tax rules. The information follows the regulations set by the New Jersey Division of Taxation and covers all the essential parts of the filing process.
You will learn about the forms you need to fill out, how to do it step by step, how to file them, how to pay, and important due dates. This article also talks about everyday situations like amended returns, tracking refunds, and what to do if you can't pay the full amount you owe. If you follow these steps, you can complete your New Jersey tax return correctly and meet the state's requirements for this year.
Overview of the 2014 New Jersey State Tax Return
The NJ-1040 form is the primary income tax return for full-year New Jersey residents reporting their 2014 earnings. This form calculates your state tax liability based on income earned from all sources, including wages, business profits, investment returns, and other taxable income. The return determines whether you owe additional taxes or qualify for a refund based on withholdings and estimated payments made throughout the year.
Form Types Available
New Jersey offers two primary forms for different residency situations:
- NJ-1040 for full-year residents: Complete this form if you lived in New Jersey for the entire 2014 calendar year. This form includes all income sources and allows for standard state deductions and credits available to residents.
- NJ-1040NR for nonresidents and part-year residents: Use this form if you lived outside New Jersey or earned income as a nonresident for part of the year. The calculations differ significantly from the resident form and require income allocation between New Jersey and other states.
Key Changes for 2014
Tax year 2014 introduced several significant changes affecting how residents file their returns:
- Electronic Filing Opt-Out Form availability: The new NJ-1040-O form allows taxpayers using professional preparers to choose paper filing over electronic submission. Your preparer must indicate that this form is enclosed with your return.
- Alternative Business Calculation Adjustment increase: The percentage increased to 30% for 2014, impacting taxpayers with losses in specific business-related income categories. This change affects how certain business losses are calculated and applied against other income.
Filing Requirements
Who Must File
New Jersey residents must file a state income tax return if their gross income exceeds specific thresholds based on their filing status. These requirements apply regardless of whether you owe additional taxes or expect a refund from the state.
- Single filers: Must file when gross income exceeds $10,000 for tax year 2014. This includes all income from wages, self-employment, investments, and other sources before any deductions or exemptions are applied.
- Married filing separately: Must file when gross income exceeds $10,000 for tax year 2014. Each spouse files their return and reports only their income and deductions.
- Married filing jointly: Must file when combined gross income exceeds $20,000 for tax year 2014. Both spouses report all income sources on a single return and share the benefits of joint filing status.
- Head of household: Must file when gross income exceeds $20,000 for tax year 2014. This status applies to unmarried taxpayers who provide more than half the support for qualifying dependents.
- Qualifying widow or widower: Must file when gross income exceeds $20,000 for tax year 2014. This special filing status is available for specific situations following a spouse's death.
Exceptions and Refund Situations
Certain circumstances require filing even when income falls below the standard thresholds. These situations typically involve recovering money already paid to the state or claiming refundable credits.
- New Jersey income tax withholding: You must file if your employer withheld New Jersey income tax from your paychecks and you want to claim a refund. Even minimal withholding creates a filing requirement when seeking refunds.
- Estimated tax payments made: File if you made quarterly estimated tax payments during 2014 to receive credit for these advance payments. The Division of Taxation cannot process estimated payment refunds without a filed return.
- Refundable credit eligibility: File if you qualify for the New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit or other refundable credits. These credits can result in payments from the state even when no taxes were owed.
New Jersey Tax Forms and Documents You Will Need
Required Tax Forms
The correct form selection depends on your residency status and income sources during 2014. Using the wrong form can delay processing and create complications with your return. All tax forms are on the Division of Taxation’s form page.
- Form NJ-1040: Use this form if you were a full-year New Jersey resident during 2014. The form accommodates all types of income and provides access to all resident deductions and credits available under state law.
- Supporting schedules: Attach Schedule A for itemized deductions, Schedule B for interest and dividend income, and business forms NJ-BUS-1 or NJ-BUS-2 as required. These schedules provide detailed breakdowns of specific income types and deductions.
Essential Supporting Documents
Proper documentation ensures accurate processing and reduces the likelihood of correspondence from the Division of Taxation. Gather these documents before beginning your return preparation.
- All W-2 forms: Include every W-2 showing New Jersey withholding to verify wages reported and taxes paid throughout the year. Missing W-2s can delay processing and trigger correspondence from the state.
- Form 1099s with New Jersey withholding: Attach 1099s documenting interest, dividends, retirement distributions, and other income sources that show state tax withholding. These forms support income reporting and withholding credits.
- Federal tax return copy: Keep a copy available for reference, particularly when claiming certain deductions or credits that tie to federal calculations. Some New Jersey deductions start with the federal adjusted gross income.
- Estimated payment records: Document estimated tax payments made during 2014, including dates and amounts. These records ensure proper credit and help avoid underpayment penalties.
- Bank account information: If you choose direct deposit for faster refund processing, have your routing and account numbers ready. Incorrect bank account information can significantly delay refunds.
Additional Proofs
Specific documentation supports various exemptions and credits available on your New Jersey return. Gather applicable documents before filing to avoid delays.
- Age verification for seniors: Taxpayers 65 or older must provide proof of age to claim additional exemptions. Birth certificates or other official age documentation satisfy this requirement.
- Disability documentation: Disabled individuals need appropriate medical documentation to claim disability exemptions. Official medical records or disability determinations from recognized agencies typically suffice.
- College enrollment verification: Students claiming education credits must provide enrollment verification from accredited institutions. Official transcripts or enrollment letters meet this requirement.
- Death certificates: Surviving spouses filing as qualifying widows or widowers may need to provide death certificates. This documentation supports the special filing status and associated benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Income Tax Return
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary paperwork before starting your return to ensure accurate and complete reporting. Missing documents can lead to errors, delays, and potential penalties from the Division of Taxation. Essential items include W-2 forms showing New Jersey withholding, 1099 forms with state withholding, your federal return copy, and records of estimated tax payments made during 2014.
Step 2: Choose Your Filing Status
Select the filing status that best describes your situation on December 31, 2014, as this determines your tax rates and available deductions. Single status applies to unmarried individuals, while married couples can choose joint or separate filing. Head of household requires unmarried status with qualifying dependents, and qualifying widow status applies in specific situations following a spouse's death in a prior year.
Step 3: Complete Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, current mailing address, and social security number exactly as they appear on official documents. Include county and municipality codes where you lived on December 31, 2014, as these affect local tax calculations. Mark your New Jersey residency status clearly, indicating whether you were a full-year or part-year resident during the tax year.
Step 4: Claim Exemptions
Calculate your total exemptions by adding personal exemptions for yourself and your spouse if filing jointly, plus one exemption for each qualifying dependent. Additional exemptions apply for taxpayers 65 or older, blind or disabled individuals, and qualifying college students. Each exemption reduces your taxable income, so claiming all eligible exemptions lowers your overall tax liability.
Step 5: Report All Income
Report income from all sources earned during 2014, starting with employment income from W-2 forms, including wages, tips, and bonuses. Include investment income such as interest from bank accounts, stock dividends, and asset sales capital gains. Add other income sources, including business profits, pension distributions, unemployment benefits, and other taxable income received during the year.
Filing Methods
Electronic Filing
Electronic filing offers the fastest and most accurate method for submitting your New Jersey income tax return. The state provides free options for eligible taxpayers and encourages electronic submission for speedier processing.
- NJ WebFile: This free online service is available for eligible full-year residents with straightforward tax situations. The system guides you through each return section and performs automatic calculations to prevent math errors.
- Approved tax software: Commercial tax preparation software that includes New Jersey returns allows electronic filing with additional features. These programs often include federal and state return preparation for comprehensive tax filing.
- Benefits of electronic filing: Returns filed electronically are processed faster than paper returns, typically within 2-3 weeks. Electronic filing also provides immediate confirmation of receipt and automatic error checking before submission.
Paper Filing
Paper filing remains an option for taxpayers who prefer traditional methods or cannot file electronically. Proper mailing procedures ensure your return reaches the correct processing center.
- Mailing address for refunds: Send returns expecting refunds to Revenue Processing Center – Refunds, PO Box 555, Trenton, NJ 08647-0555. Use this address only when you wish to receive money back from the state.
- Mailing address for payments: Send returns with balance due to Revenue Processing Center – Payments, PO Box 111, Trenton, NJ 08645-0111. Include your payment with the return in the same envelope.
- Paper filing requirements: Use the preprinted mailing label when available, mail only one return per envelope, and ensure adequate postage. The postmark date determines whether your return meets the filing deadline.
Important Deadlines
- Calendar year filers: Tax returns for the 2014 calendar year must be filed by April 15, 2015, to avoid penalties and interest. The postmark date on your envelope determines if your return is considered on time, so be sure to mail it early enough for postal processing. Late filing penalties increase the longer you wait.
- Fiscal year filers: If you report taxes on a fiscal year basis, your return is due on the 15th day of the fourth month following the close of your fiscal year. Business owners and individuals using fiscal years must carefully calculate their specific due dates to avoid mistakes.
- Extensions: Filing extensions provides extra time to submit your return, but does not extend the payment deadline. At least 80% of your tax liability must be paid by the original due date to avoid penalties. Interest and penalties apply to any unpaid balance after April 15, 2015.
Making Payments
Check or Money Order
Traditional payment methods remain widely accepted for New Jersey income tax obligations. Make checks or money orders payable to "State of New Jersey – TGI," and write your social security number on the payment for proper account crediting.
- Payment voucher requirement: Use Form NJ-1040-V (payment voucher) with check or money order payments. This voucher ensures proper processing and account crediting when your payment arrives at the processing center.
- Mailing instructions: Include your payment and voucher with your tax return in the same envelope when filing by mail. Separate mailings can cause processing delays and crediting issues.
Electronic Check (E-Check)
E-check payments provide a convenient electronic option without additional fees from the state. This method debits your bank account directly and immediately confirms payment submission.
- No additional forms needed: When paying by e-check, do not include a payment voucher with your return or write the payment amount on the return itself. The electronic system handles all processing automatically.
- Processing time: E-check payments typically process within 1-2 business days of being sent from your bank account. Ensure sufficient funds are available to avoid returned payment fees and penalties.
Credit Card Payments
Credit card payments offer immediate processing but may include convenience fees charged by third-party processors. Major cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, are accepted through authorized payment processors.
- Fee disclosure: Review all convenience fees before completing credit card payments. These charges are in addition to your tax liability. Fees vary based on the payment amount and card type used.
- No voucher required: When paying by credit card, do not include payment vouchers or write payment amounts on returns. The electronic payment system provides all necessary documentation.
Tracking Refunds and Balances Due
The New Jersey Division of Taxation provides online tools for tracking refund status and account balances throughout the year. You can access these services through the official state website's Individual Income Tax Login Portal.
Required information for account access includes your social security number, date of birth, and the exact refund amount from your filed return. Keep your return copy handy to ensure accurate information entry when using online services.
Processing timelines vary based on filing method and return complexity:
- Electronic returns: Typically processed within 2-3 weeks when no issues require manual review. Direct deposit speeds refund delivery compared to paper checks mailed to your address.
- Paper returns: Allow 6-8 weeks for complete processing and refund issuance. Manual processing takes longer and may require additional time for verification procedures.
Final Filing Checklist
Complete this comprehensive review before submitting your New Jersey income tax return to ensure accuracy and avoid processing delays.
- Form completion: Verify all required fields are completed with accurate information. Blank required fields cause processing delays and correspondence from the Division of Taxation.
- Mathematical accuracy: Double-check all calculations throughout the return, including income totals, deduction amounts, and tax computations. Math errors are among the most common filing mistakes.
- Social security numbers: Confirm that all social security numbers are accurate and match official records. Incorrect numbers delay processing and can affect refund delivery.
- W-2 forms: Attach all W-2s showing New Jersey withholding to support wage reporting and withholding credits. Missing W-2s trigger correspondence and delay processing.
- Supporting schedules: Include Schedule A, B, or business forms as your tax situation requires. These schedules provide detailed breakdowns supporting your return calculations.
- Payment documentation: If paying by check or money order, include Form NJ-1040-V, but omit this form when paying electronically through e-check or credit card.
- Signatures required: Both you and your spouse must sign and date the return when filing jointly. Unsigned returns cannot be processed and will be returned for completion.
- Copies for records: Make complete copies of your return and all attachments before mailing. Keep these records for at least three years in case of questions or audits.
- Proper mailing: Use the correct mailing address based on whether you owe taxes or expect a refund. Adequate postage ensures timely delivery and prevents return delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I file after the deadline of April 15, 2015?
Late filing triggers multiple penalties and interest charges on unpaid taxes. You face a 5% monthly late filing penalty, up to a maximum of 25%, plus a 5% late payment penalty on unpaid taxes. Interest accrues at 3% above the prime rate, compounded annually, and an additional $100 monthly penalty may apply. File immediately to minimize these charges.
Can I obtain an extension for my return to 2014 in New Jersey?
Yes, you receive an automatic six-month extension until October 15, 2015. Still, you must pay at least 80% of your total tax liability by April 15, 2015—file for an extension by the original due date to avoid late filing penalties. Extensions cover filing time only, not payment obligations or interest charges.
Do I need to file if I had no income in 2014?
When you have no income, you are not required to file your taxes unless you have taxes withheld from your New Jersey paycheck and are seeking refunds, you are eligible for refundable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, or you made estimated tax payments during the year 2014. These situations create filing requirements regardless of income level to recover money owed.
How do I amend my 2014 New Jersey tax return?
If you want to change your initial return or correct any errors, you can use Form NJ-1040X, the Amended Resident Return. You can file amended returns for refunds within three years of the original due date or within two years of the date on which you made your tax payment. Include explanations for all changes and attach supporting documentation.
What if I moved during 2014? How do I file?
If you moved during the year 2014, you are required to file Form NJ-1040 as a part-year resident. Only income earned while residing in New Jersey should be reported, and the prorating rules outlined in the instruction booklets should be followed. For accurate reporting, keep detailed records of residency dates and income allocation between states.
How can I request a copy of my filed 2014 return?
Contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation and submit a written request that includes your signature, social security number, tax year, and the reason for the request. Return copies may incur processing fees, and the processing time could be extended by several weeks. Official requests must include proper identification for security purposes.
What are my options if I cannot pay the full amount owed?
To avoid late filing penalties, you should file your return on time, even if you have not paid the full amount. After that, you should contact the Division of Taxation immediately. One can choose from a variety of payment plan options to reduce the amount of additional penalties and interest charges.
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