New Jersey?s 2006 property tax refund could put money back into the pockets of many homeowners if they seek to take advantage of it.

Officials say the average New Jersey homeowner can expect a rebate of about $1,000. Some will receive more and some will get less depending on the house and income. The state is directly returning $2 billion total to taxpayers.

Rebate forms have been sent out to most but not all homes in the state.

Homeowners like Johanne Salcedo say they are thanking Governor Corzine after receiving their applications in the mail. She works two full time jobs, barely keeps up with her mortgage and property taxes and says she appreciates getting the money back.

Others are skeptical about receiving rebates and say residents will end up paying for it somehow.

The deadline to file for the rebate is August 15. Officials say all the forms should be delivered by the middle of next week, but will not say exactly when homeowners can expect to receive the rebate.