N.J. towns could take income tax refunds from homeowners late on property taxes

The proposal being considered by a Senate panel today is one of several dozen in Gov. Chris Christie's 'tool kit'

Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-LedgerOverall view from the gallery as the senate begins their session at the Statehouse this afternoon.

TRENTON — New Jersey property owners late on their taxes could soon say goodbye to their state income tax refunds.

A bill up for consideration today in a state Senate committee would give municipalities first dibs on the income tax refunds and put the money toward the unpaid balance.

The state already garnishes property tax rebates of delinquent taxpayers and hands them down to towns.

The bill is one of several dozen in Gov. Chris Christie’s “tool kit” — a series of bills he says are necessary to allow towns, counties and school districts to control costs. The Senate budget and appropriations committee is scheduled today to hear several of the bills.

• N.J. Senate considers bills to help keep state costs down

• Looking ahead, analysts say N.J.'s budget woes may be far from over

• N.J. property tax cap meets first challenge in 12 percent health care costs hike

• N.J. property tax cap gives residents voting power over additional spending

• N.J. Gov. Christie signs 2 percent property tax cap bill

• Poll: N.J. residents skeptical that 2 percent property tax cap will fix underlying problems