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1. This is an example of a frequently asked question

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2. This is an example of a different, longer worded frequently asked question.

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Medicare Counseling

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1. What is State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Counseling?

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about their health insurance. SHIP is a statewide program administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services with financial assistance through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

2. What kind of assistance is offered?

Medicare beneficiaries frequently have questions about benefits, claims, supplement policies (known as Medigaps) and Medicare Advantage plans. Volunteer counselors, trained in areas of health insurance coverage and benefits that affect Medicare beneficiaries, provide information and assistance for dealing with claims and in evaluating health insurance options. If you are brand new to Medicare or will be enrolling in Medicare soon, SHIP counselors can guide you through your options, give you resources and help guide you to the type of plan that best fits your medical and financial status. Counselors also provide assistance during open enrollment (held each year from October 15 through December 7) to ensure the medical and prescription coverage you have still works for you and is the best value for you.

3. What is the cost?

Counseling is free of charge. Volunteer counselors do not provide legal advice, sell, recommend, or endorse any specific insurance product, agent, insurance company, or plan. They provide information and assistance so that you can make your own decisions.

4. How do I make an appointment?

The Spotswood Office on Aging provides Medicare (SHIP) counseling services right at the senior center. Call our office at 732-251-3432 and ask to speak with a SHIP Counselor.

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Municipal Court

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1. Are there points, and if so, how many?

Points are assessed by the Division of Motor Vehicles. For information call 888-486-3339 in New Jersey and 609-292-6500 for out-of-state.

2. How much is my fine?

Check the back of the summons. If the violation is not listed call the court office at 732-251-0700, ext. 842, or see the Motor Vehicle Violations page of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website.

3. When is my payment due?

Payment is due before the date indicated at the bottom of the summons.

4. When is my court date?

Check the ticket or call 732-251-0700, ext. 842.

5. Do I have to appear in court?

Yes. You are required to appear if the summons is checked court required or if the violation is not listed on the Violations Bureau Schedule.

6. What do I do if there is a warrant out for my arrest?

During regular business hours, post bail at the court office. After hours, bail may be posted with the Spotswood Police Department or any other police department in the State of New Jersey.

Once bail is posted you will receive a date to appear in court.

7. Can you refer me to a lawyer?

No, the Municipal Court cannot refer anyone to a lawyer.

However, we can provide the contact information for the Middlesex County Lawyer Referral Service at 732-828-0053.

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Registrar

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1. How do I apply for a marriage license?

Marriage Licenses

Marriage License applications are by appointment only.

Please contact the Borough of Spotswood Registrar's Office from Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 10 am- 3 pm, by calling: Christine DeVito at 732-251-0700, ext. 829, or Christine Auciello at 732-251-0700, ext. 828.

Both bride and groom need to be present. The bride and groom must provide photo identification with a current address listed. One or both applicants must be a resident of Spotswood. One witness must be present also with photo identification with the current address listed. Please allow two weeks' notice prior to your ceremony for license application.

2. How do I request a certified copy of my marriage license?

What You Need

• Complete the necessary application
• Provide photo identification with current address
• You need to identify the record with the exact date of the marriage
• The marriage must have been performed in Spotswood
• You need to be an eligible entity such as a husband/wife/mother/father/son/daughter/etc

3. Where can I locate other forms for the registrar?

Other forms are available at the State of New Jersey, Department of Health and Senior Services website.

4. Where can I find out more information pertaining to the registrar’s office?

The Borough of Spotswood Registrar follows all guidelines as directed by the State of New Jersey, Department of Health and Senior Services.

Please see the State website for further information.

5. Can I request registrar’s information via United State Postal Service or email?

You may mail your request. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with the appropriate fee (Please do not mail cash). We will only accept checks or money orders made out to: Borough of Spotswood.

Kindly include a telephone number in case we have any questions.

The mailing address is:

Attn: Registrar's Office
Borough of Spotswood
77 Summerhill Road
Spotswood NJ 08884

Or, You may make arrangements to come into the office in person. Please have proper identification and payment, and request to speak with the Registrar. Please contact the Registrar's Office before coming in to assure that someone will be available to assist you.

All requests will be mailed back to you within five working days. We accept cash if applying in person, checks, or money orders.

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Tax Assessor

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1. What tax deductions are available?

There are several tax deductions available for qualified Senior Citizens, Surviving Spouses, Disabled Persons, Veterans, and Widows of Veterans. Qualified recipients receive a $250 deduction from their annual tax bill. For further information and applications, please contact the Tax Assessor.

2. What state rebate programs are available?

There are two separate and distinct property tax relief programs available to New Jersey homeowners.

Property Tax Reimbursement Program

This program is commonly known as the Tax Freeze. It is designed to freeze the burden of increasing real estate taxes for qualified applicants by establishing a base year of eligibility, comparing that base year with any subsequent years, and refunding the difference to the eligible homeowner. Eligibility must be continuous, otherwise, a new base year would be established.

Qualifications are as follows:

• Must make application to the State annually
• Homeowners must be age 65 or older, or receiving Federal Social Security Disability Benefits, paying property taxes on the PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE in New Jersey
• Age requirements apply to the base year as well as the application year
• Must meet income limits as set by the State annually. Income limits apply to the base year as well as the application year
• Property taxes must be paid in full by December 31st of each year 
  • Failure to pay property taxes within the year due disqualifies the applicant. A new application would have to be filed the following year that would establish a new base year.

Application booklets are mailed out by the State in late January each year. For further information or to request an application, please contact the State of New Jersey at 800-882-6597 or visit the State of New Jersey website.

Homestead Rebate

Homestead rebates are sent by the State of New Jersey for qualified homeowners on their primary residence. The qualifications, income limitations, and amounts of the rebates vary and are determined by the State each year. In a few cases, your income tax return establishes eligibility; however, in most cases an application is required. Applications, when required, are sent by the State, usually in the spring.

For further information on Homestead type of rebates or to determine eligibility:

• Telephone: The State of New Jersey at 888-238-1233
• Email Homestead rebate questions
• Visit the website

3. What is the 'Notice of Assessment' (green post card) used for?

This is an official notice of your property's assessment value for the current year. This notice is mailed by the Middlesex County Tax Board prior to February 1. If you do not receive your notice, please contact the Tax Board at 732-745-3350. The Borough Tax Office does not have these forms.

4. Where can I find square footage information?

This information can be obtained from the Tax Assessor's Office. The Tax Assessor's Office is located in the Municipal Building on the second floor. Office hours are on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. You may contact him via phone at 732-251-0700, ext. 835, fax at 732-251-1359, or email the Tax Assessor.

5. What can I do if I think my taxes are too high?

Taxes are determined by applying the Borough tax rate to the assessed value of your property. Every property in the Borough pays the same tax rate. Property values, however, are unique to each property. To lower your tax exposure, you need to lower the assessed value. In order to appeal, you must file by April 1, and taxes must be current through the first quarter of the year. The Office of the Tax Assessor can help you file your appeal. Contact Mr. David Jasko, Tax Assessor on Wednesday evenings between the hours of 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, or contact via email, or by telephone at 732-251-0700 ext. 835, during his office hours.

6. Why is property assessed and who assesses it?

Real property is assessed in order to determine the basis on which property taxes are levied on each parcel of real property. All real property is taxable except property specifically exempted by law. Real property is assessed by the Borough Tax Assessor.

7. What is estimated market value and what can change my assessed value?

Estimated market value is the Assessor's determination of the value of your property for tax purposes only. Any change made to the property that would change its market value may change the assessed value.

8. Is there a form to request a 200 foot list available?

Yes, view the request form (PDF).

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Tax Collector

Show All Answers

1. What state rebate programs are available?

There are two separate and distinct property tax relief programs available to New Jersey homeowners.

Property Tax Reimbursement Program

This program is commonly known as the Tax Freeze. It is designed to freeze the burden of increasing real estate taxes for qualified applicants by establishing a base year of eligibility, comparing that base year with any subsequent years, and refunding the difference to the eligible homeowner. Eligibility must be continuous, otherwise, a new base year would be established.

Qualifications are as follows:

• Must make application to the State annually
• Homeowners must be age 65 or older, or receiving Federal Social Security Disability Benefits, paying property taxes on the PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE in New Jersey
• Age requirements apply to the base year as well as the application year
• Must meet income limits as set by the State annually. Income limits apply to the base year as well as the application year
• Property taxes must be paid in full by December 31st of each year
  • Failure to pay property taxes within the year due disqualifies the applicant. A new application would have to be filed the following year that would establish a new base year.

Application booklets are mailed out by the State in late January each year. For further information or to request an application, please contact the State of New Jersey at 800-882-6597 or visit the State of New Jersey website.

Homestead Rebate

Homestead rebates are sent by the State of New Jersey for qualified homeowners on their primary residence. The qualifications, income limitations, and amounts of the rebates vary and are determined by the State each year. In a few cases, your income tax return establishes eligibility; however, in most cases an application is required. Applications, when required, are sent by the State, usually in the spring.

For further information on Homestead type of rebates or to determine eligibility:

• Telephone: The State of New Jersey at 888-238-1233
• Email Homestead rebate questions
• Visit the website

2. What do I do if my mortgage has been paid off?

If there has been any change in your mortgage company, it is necessary to notify the Tax Collector of the change in writing. If your mortgage has been paid off, you must also notify the Tax Collector in writing to remove the bank from our records. The request must contain the block and lot number of the property, your mailing address, the bank name and address, and the signature of the owner. You may fax your mortgage company change of removal request to 732-251-1359, or email the Tax Collector.

3. What do I do if my mortgage company pays my taxes and I receive the original bill?

If your mortgage company is responsible to pay your taxes and you receive an original tax bill, kindly notify our office. We will verify the information and correct as needed. You may also want to forward the tax bill directly to your mortgage company for payment. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of every mortgage company that services an escrow account for the payment of taxes to send a written tax authorization notice informing the Borough of their responsibility of paying your taxes. If this form is not received we cannot notify your mortgage company of any payments or delinquencies and it also determines who gets what kind of bill. If you should have any questions pertaining to this topic, please feel free to call or email the Tax Collector.

4. How do I change my mailing address?

Requests for changes of address must be in writing. The request must contain the block and lot number of the property, the new mailing address, the reason for the change, and the signature of the owner. You may fax your address change request to 732-251-1359, or email the Tax Collector.

Please note that all changes of address must be reported to the Tax Collector to insure that you receive your tax bills and Borough correspondence.

5. What if I have a tax lien on my property and I want to pay it off?

To redeem an outstanding lien you must first contact our office to determine the next available council date for redemption. A letter then must be sent to our office requesting a redemption statement. Verbal requests are not accepted. The request must include the block and lot number, lien certificate number, the date of redemption, the date payment will be received by the Tax Collector (at least ten days to prior to redemption), along with your contact information including your daytime phone number. You must be a party with an interest in the property in order to redeem a lien; i.e. the owner, attorney for the owner, or the mortgage holder. You may fax your request to the Tax Collector at 732-251-1359 or email the Tax Collector.

Upon receipt of your request for a redemption amount, the Tax Collector will provide the redemption statement as quickly as possible. The preparation of a redemption statement takes time and will not be available immediately. Please allow enough time when requesting redemptions for the preparation and delivery of the redemption statement.

6. What if I didn't receive or misplaced my bill?

If you fail to receive or misplaced your tax bill, the Tax Collector will provide everything you need to pay your tax bill. You can call or email the Tax Collector.

Please note that, in accordance with the New Jersey statute, the failure to receive a tax bill does not affect the date that the tax payment is due or the date that interest begins to accrue. It is the responsibility of each taxpayer to obtain the amount due on their properties and present timely payment to the Tax Collector.

If you require a copy for your records, there is a duplicate bill fee of $5. We will send the duplicate bill upon receipt of the fee. A bill is not necessary for payment provided. Please provide us with your block, lot, and property address so we may apply payment properly.

7. What if I use an online or telephone payment service to pay my taxes?

If you utilize a payment service from your bank to send out your payments, whether it be done by computer or telephone, you must include your block and lot number with the payment. You can enter the block and lot number where the bank requests an account number. The payee is:

Borough of Spotswood
77 Summerhill Road
Spotswood NJ 08884-1233

Please note that it may take several days for your bank to issue payments utilizing the online/telephone services, so you must allow extra time for your payment to reach us within the ten-day grace period.

8. How can I pay my taxes?

Tax payments for the current quarter may be mailed to the Borough of Spotswood, 77 Summerhill Road, Spotswood NJ 08884-1233, or brought to our office on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Building between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. If you are unable to make it here during these hours, you are always welcome to put your payment in the payment box located outside the building on the median where the bushes are and the USPS mailbox. We will post your payment to your account when we arrive the next morning.

You may now also avail yourselves of our online payment service. This web-based service allows residents of the Borough to inquire about their property taxes and water/sewer utility accounts and to pay their bills safely online.

9. Can I pay my taxes or water bill at borough hall by credit card?

No, The Finance office can only accept cash, certified funds, or money order at the Finance Window. If you'd like to pay by credit card you may do so online.

10. When are taxes due?

Tax payments are due quarterly.

The first quarter is due February 1 and covers the months of January, February, and March. The second quarter is due May 1 and covers the months of April, May, and June. The third quarter is due August 1 and covers the months of July, August, and September. The fourth quarter is due November 1 and covers the months of October, November. and December.

There is a ten-day grace period. If the 10th falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, you have until the next business day to make your payment.

11. When are the tax bills mailed?

Tax bills are mailed out annually in early July. New bills are not issued when we receive the updated deed from the Tax Assessor's Office. Tax bills should. however, be turned over to the new owners at closing. If this is not done, it is the responsibility of the new owner to contact the Tax Collector to request a copy of the bill, as it can take several weeks until we receive the updated deed from the Tax Assessor.

12. What are my responsibilities if I refinance?

It is in the best interest of you and your mortgage holder that you have your current tax bill on hand at any closing. If you are in need of a duplicate bill, it can be furnished to you for a fee of $5. This fee must be paid prior to obtaining the bill. Please also have your new mortgage company notify us of their responsibility for the maintenance of an escrow account. This will allow them to obtain payment information from the Borough.

13. What is the 'Notice of Assessment' (green post card) used for?

This is an official notice of your property's assessment value for the current year. This notice is mailed by the Middlesex County Tax Board prior to February 1. Please contact the Tax Board if you did not receive your copy by calling 732-745-3350. The Borough Tax Office does not have these forms.

14. Why does the tax bill show a separate line for the public library in the rate section of my bill?

The property tax bill shows a separate line item showing the minimum required appropriations for the Spotswood Public Library as a separate tax levy pursuant to a recently enacted State law (P.L. 2011, chapter 38). The municipal tax levy was reduced by the same amount as the new library tax levy. This change does not result in a property tax increase and is to help you better understand the cost of library services reflected in your tax bill.

15. Does the state of New Jersey have a taxpayer bill of rights?

View the New Jersey Bill of Rights.

16. How are taxes computed?

The total tax levy to be collected is the sum of the local budget and the budgets of the Local School Board, County, Library, and Open space programs. This figure is divided by the total assessments in the Borough to produce the tax rate. That tax rate is then applied to individual assessments. The first half of your tax bill is estimated, and equal to one half of the total prior year taxes. It is estimated because the rate cannot be computed until all budgets have been approved; that occurs in June. The second half tax bill is computed by applying the new tax rate to the current year assessment, then deducting the amount billed in the first half.

17. I don't have a tax bill-why am I charged interest?

NJSA 54:4-64 states that failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax due; it is the property owner's responsibility to ascertain from the proper official (Tax Collector) the amount due. If you have recently purchased the property or lost your bill, you should call the Tax Office to obtain the amount due, and request a copy of the bill.

18. My taxes are too high - what can I do?

Taxes are determined by applying the Township tax rate to the assessed value of your property. Every property in the Borough pays the same tax rate. Property values, however, are unique to each property. To lower your tax exposure, you need to lower the assessed value. In order to appeal, you must file by April 1, and taxes must be current through the first quarter of the year. The Office of the Tax Assessor can help you file your appeal. Contact Mr. David Jasko, Tax Assessor on Wednesday evenings between the hours of 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, contact via email, or by telephone at 732-251-0700, ext. 835 during his office hour.

19. Will I receive a quarterly tax bill?

No. You will receive one bill a year during the month of July which will have four quarterly stubs on it.

20. Will I receive reminders that taxes are due?

No. However, you will receive a delinquent notice if your taxes are not paid. You may also check the Borough of Spotswood Calendar on the main page of our website for billing/due dates.

21. My bank or mortgage company pays my taxes so why am I receiving a delinquent notice?

Even though your bank pays your taxes you are still liable for the taxes. This way you know that your bank or mortgage company isn't paying your taxes and you should call them. Your bank or mortgage company also receives delinquent notices.

22. Why do I have to pay interest if my bank or mortgage company did not pay the taxes on time?

Everyone has to pay interest if the taxes are not paid on time. This is a State law, however, if your bank or mortgage company doesn't pay your taxes on time, they are responsible for the interest due. Always check your statement from the bank.

23. I didn't receive my end of year statement for the taxes I paid?

We do not send out year end statements.

24. Do you accept memo bills and is there a charge?

Yes, we accept them and there is no charge.

25. Is there a different tax rate for residential and commercial?

No. Everyone's tax bill has the same tax rate on it.

26. Do you accept postmark?

No. The payment must be in the Tax Collector's office by the 10th of the month that the taxes are due. If it is after the 10th interest will be charged and applied before principal.

27. When do added assessment/added omitted bills go out?

Added Assessment bills go out in October and the 1st payment is due November 1st. The next two payments on the bill are due on the 1st of February and May of the following year.

28. When I receive an added assessment/added omitted bill do I only pay that bill?

No. You will have the original bill, you received 3 to 4 months prior to the added bill, and the added assessment bill to pay. This means you will have two or more bills to pay on November 1st and two bills to pay on the 1st of February and May.

29. Will I always have to pay two bills?

No. When the next new billing goes out after the added assessment bill it will all be combined on one bill. However, if you do an improvement to your home i.e. deck or pool you will receive an added assessment bill for the new improvement.

30. I received a tax bill and my bank or mortgage company pays my taxes. What do I do?

Forward your tax bill to the entity responsible for paying your taxes and contact the Tax Collector with the appropriate information.

31. I did not receive a tax bill, I only received an advice copy and I pay my own taxes. What do I do?

Do not wait for a tax bill. Call the Tax Collector for a bill. This means the previous entity that paid your taxes did not notify us of the change.

32. I just purchased my house during the year. How do I find how much taxes I paid and how much the previous owner paid?

You should have been given the tax bill at the time of closing. However, if you weren't, do not wait for one and call the Tax Collector. We have no way of knowing you do not have one.

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Water & Sewer Utility

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1. Why is my utility bill so high?

High consumption - If you notice an increase in your consumption, we suggest you check for possible leaks. One way to check would be to take a reading from the water meter before you retire to bed, allowing no one to use the water through the night. When you awaken, and before any water is used, take another reading. If there has been consumption while you were asleep, there is the possibility of a leak. You may want to check the toilets; running toilets can use a significant amount of water (the most common reason for high water bills is a leaky toilet).

Zero consumption - It is important to contact our office if you should receive a bill indicating a zero consumption reading. This could indicate a possible problem with the meter. If the problem is not corrected, a large water bill may result when an actual inside reading is obtained.

2. What should I do if I am selling my home?

A final meter reading appointment must be scheduled at least 5 days prior to closing and is scheduled between the hours of 8:30 am to 12 pm.

View final meter reading procedures (PDF).

3. Where do I mail my payment?

Payments should be made payable to:

Spotswood Utility Department
77 Summerhill Road
Spotswood NJ 08884-1233

Please return the payment stub along with your check. Be sure to include your account number or property location if you are not sending your payment stub with your check.

4. What is the procedure to dispute a utility bill?

Any customer that disputes a bill rendered by the utility for water shall bring the disputed bill to the attention of the Borough Collector within 15 calendar days of the due date of the bill. Said dispute shall be presented to the Office of the Borough Collector in writing, stating the exact portion of the bill that is in dispute and the reasons why the bill is in dispute.

Upon receipt of a disputed bill claim by a customer, the Borough Collector shall present a temporary estimated bill to the customer which shall be computed on the basis of the average usage during the preceding twelve-month period or the usage during the same period of time in the preceding year, whichever, in the estimation of the Borough Collector, presents a more accurate estimate. The customer shall pay the amount of the temporary estimated bill within the same time limits for payment of the original bill.

The Borough Collector shall investigate the bill dispute presented by the customer and shall receive whatever supporting evidence the customer may wish to present and shall determine whether the disputed bill is valid or invalid in whole or in part. In the event that the Borough Collector determines that any or all of the disputed bill is due and that amount exceeds the amount paid by the customer under the temporary estimated bill, the difference shall be paid by the customer within 14 calendar days after notification in writing by the Borough Collector. After said 14 calendar day period, the bill shall be classified as delinquent. All billing disputes must be in writing within 15 days of the due date of the bill. Be sure to compare all billed readings with your inside meter.

5. When is a water bill considered late?

If payment is not received by 33 days of the billing date, interest is calculated from the billing date to the payment date at 8% up to $1,500 and 18% over $1,500.

6. What is the definition of a residential user?

Residential user is defined as to include all structures, buildings, mobile homes, apartment buildings, or garden apartments which are designed or used primarily as the residence or sleeping place of the owner or occupant thereof.

7. Who do I contact if I have a water emergency after business hours?

For emergencies, evenings, weekends, and holidays, call 732-251-2121.

8. How do I protect my water pipes from freezing?

The Borough of Spotswood Water Department would like to share some basic tips to help protect meters and pipes throughout the winter:

1. Locate and mark the master shutoff valve and be prepared to turn it off in case a water line should burst. This valve, typically a wheel type valve, is usually located were the water pipe enters your home or dwelling near your inside water meter. Mark it with a tag, a bright ribbon or colorful paint. Make it easy to see. If the worst happens and we hope it never does you will know where it
2. Make sure the water meter is protected from freezing conditions. If it is located in an unheated area such as under a mobile home cover it with an insulating material and using heat tape will help avoid freezing and possible breakage.
3. Close the stop and waste valves on outside faucets. These valves are located near the faucet on the inside basement wall. After the valve is closed tightly, drain the outside piping and remove any hose from the outside faucets.
4. Insulate pipes located in our near outside walls, in the basement and in the garage. Repair any cracks or broken windows in the basement to further safeguard against freezing.
5. Consider allowing your cold water to run slow. This will keep the water moving through the pipes thereby preventing freezing.
6. If you are going to be away for a long period of time it is suggested that you contact a plumber to come and winterize your pipes to protect them from freezing and subsequent damage.

9. I live in a mobile home is the sheet metal or vinyl skirting sufficient to keep the meter from freezing?

No, this is considered an unheated area and the meter should be covered with an insulating material and heat tape should be used to protect it from freezing.

10. What other ways are there help defrost a frozen pipes if they should freeze?

Use a hair dryer or heating pad to thaw slowly. Never use an open flame.

Wrap cloths around the frozen pipe and soak it repeatedly with hot water.

If these alternatives fail after a reasonable amount of time, contact a plumber for assistance.