Many New Jersey residents may be eligible for more property tax relief thanks to the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program.
The state’s ANCHOR program is designed to provide property tax relief for renters and homeowners, with last year's extended deadline still issuing payments as late as March 2025.
But there may be a new way to apply for this year's ANCHOR benefits.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
We’ll cover the details surrounding the new ANCHOR application process and go over what you need to know about the property tax relief you could receive this year.
Key Points
- The New Jersey ANCHOR program is designed to provide property tax relief for eligible renters and homeowners.
- The PAS-1 application will replace the old application method for many applicants moving forward.
- Some online ANCHOR applications will be accepted starting mid-February, 2025.
FAQs
When can I apply for the NJ ANCHOR benefit program?
The ANCHOR program is a tax rebate for New Jersey-eligible residents renting or owning homes. The bill was signed into law three years ago. Since then, millions in the Garden State have been provided property tax relief.
If you filed for ANCHOR last filing season you are automatically enrolled for this year’s filing season. You will most likely receive a letter from the state’s Division of Taxation confirming your eligibility in the summer of 2025.
However, 2025 offers something new: the PAS-1 application. This is a "one-stop shop" to apply for ANCHOR and other property tax relief programs, NJ "Senior Freeze," and Stay NJ. If you qualify for at least two of these programs, you will need to submit a PAS-1 application:
- The state will mail out application information for PAS-1 by early March 2025.
- Applicants fill out a single “PAS-1” application for all property tax relief (ANCHOR, “Senior Freeze,” Stay NJ).
- Applications can be mailed in.
- Or, applicants can file online starting mid-February.
- The deadline to apply for PAS-1 is October 31, 2025.
But if you don't qualify for "Senior Freeze" or Stay NJ, the PAS-1 application may not be right for you. Applicants under 65 and not receiving Social Security Disability benefits should wait to apply for ANCHOR in the summer of 2025.
What are the eligibility requirements for NJ ANCHOR program?
The deadline to apply for ANCHOR via the PAS-1 application is October 31, 2025.
While the state's Taxation Division has not yet released this year's eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for some property tax relief in New Jersey if you are:
- A New Jersey resident.
- Meet certain income limits for the tax year (to be announced by the state's Taxation Division).
- Owned or rented your main home during the tax year.
Starting this year, eligible ANCHOR homeowners will no longer need an Identification Number and PIN to file for benefits.
How much will the NJ ANCHOR benefit be?
Last year's ANCHOR payment (still going out until March 2025) was based on 2021 income limits, ranging from a minimum benefit of $450 to a maximum of $1,750.
In 2025, many ANCHOR payments will be part of a new streamlined process called "PAS-1." Under this combined application, benefit payments will be calculated and sent out to recipients no later than the end of 2025. The maximum benefit amounts have not yet been announced.
When will I get an ANCHOR program check?
Most will receive their payment about 90 days after application, meaning that residents who applied by December could receive their checks as late as March 2025.
This year's payments are expected to go out as early as September 15, 2025.
How do I check the status of my NJ ANCHOR rebate?
To check the status of your check, or for general New Jersey property tax relief questions, call 1-888-238-1233.
Last year, the state’s Division of Taxation hired more agents to assist callers with the hotline. There is also an automatic callback feature, allowing you to be placed in a queue rather than wait on hold.
You can also visit one of the state’s Regional Information Centers in person for more information.
Related Content
-
Tax-Deductible Home Improvements for Retirement in 2025Retirement Taxes Your aging-in-place plan could benefit from the medical expense tax deduction. But watch out for capital gains and property taxes.
-
Don’t Make These Five Mistakes on Your Tax ReturnTax Filing The IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for these common errors as they prepare to file.
-
You Don’t Want to Retire in Portugal: Here Are Three Tax Reasons WhyRetirement Taxes With the NHR benefit retiring and pension taxes increasing, you might rethink your retirement plans in Portugal.
-
Why Abolishing Florida Property Taxes is ProblematicProperty Taxes A bold proposal that aims to eliminate property taxes in the Sunshine State has roused concerns from economists, and rightly so.
-
First-Time Filing Taxes? Key Tax Tips to Know for 2025Tax Filing Preparing your IRS taxes for the first time may seem daunting, but here are some return preparation and filing tips to start.
-
Mail Theft Crisis: Why Your IRS Tax Refund Is At RiskTax Refunds Millions of dollars in tax refunds were stolen in the mail last year. Here's what you should know.
-
Ten IRS Audit Red Flags for Retirees in 2025Retirement Taxes Retirees who think they can escape the IRS audit machine should think again.
-
States with Emergency and Energy Sales Tax Holidays in 2025Sales Taxes Save on appliances with a state emergency preparedness or energy-efficient tax-free weekend in February.
