Elizabeth Maher Muoio

Annual debt report finds New Jersey's long-term debts and obligations, including pensions and health benefits, reached $248.6 billion as of mid-2021.

Through amended or late tax forms, residents can still claim their federal child tax credits or state and federal earned income tax credits.

Cost-of-living adjustments were suspended in 2011 and won't return for many years, even with full contributions. But restoring them now costs $3.6 billion.

Considering the record revenues and surplus, there was quite a bit of angst as the Assembly Budget Committee met with Gov. Phil Murphy's treasurer.

Gov. Phil Murphy proposes property tax rebates starting at $700 and growing to $1,150, including homes with incomes of up to $250,000. Renters get help, too.

Another credit rating agency has improved its outlook for New Jersey’s finances, ahead of next month’s introduction of the next proposed state budget.

An annual report from the think tank Truth in Accounting finds New Jersey's long-term debt, pension and health-benefits bills amount to $58,300 per taxpayer.

The gas tax is adjusted each year, depending on recent collections and a forecast for the year ahead. Last year's 9.3-cent hike is being mostly reversed.

The state government is awash in cash and now anticipates a $10 billion surplus at the end of the month. It no longer will tap its rainy day fund for 2022.

Final revenue forecast is delayed but expected to grow by hundreds of milions of dollars. Better sales tax and realty transfer taxes get the credit.