It's time once again for many New Jersey residents to claim property tax relief. Thanks to the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program, potentially millions of eligible taxpayers will receive billions in payments.
The state’s ANCHOR program is designed to provide property tax relief for renters and homeowners, with this year's application period starting in August.
But there may be a new way to apply for this year's ANCHOR benefits.
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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.
Related: New Jersey's "Senior Freeze" payments are on the way to mailboxes.
Key Points
- The New Jersey ANCHOR program is designed to provide property tax relief for eligible renters and homeowners.
- The PAS-1 application replaces the old application method for some applicants moving forward.
- ANCHOR benefit letters are already being issued for 2025.
FAQs
What is the NJ ANCHOR program?
The ANCHOR program is a tax rebate for New Jersey-eligible residents renting or owning homes. The bill was signed into law about three years ago. Since then, millions in the Garden State have been provided property tax relief.
Many taxpayers who applied for ANCHOR last filing season are automatically enrolled for this year’s filing season.
However, if you are 65 or older or on Social Security disability payments, you will need to complete a 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.
- Applicants will 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.
- 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. Eligible applicants under 65 or who are not receiving Social Security Disability benefits should receive a letter from the state’s Division of Taxation confirming their eligibility by the end of September 2025.
If you don't receive an ANCHOR benefit letter but believe you are eligible for the program, you may apply online here.
How much is the ANCHOR benefit in NJ?
This year’s ANCHOR payment is based on 2024 income limits. That means if you have been a New Jersey homeowner since 2024...
- With $150k in gross income or less, you will receive $1,500.
- With $150k to $250k in gross income, you will receive $1,000.
...and if you have been a renter in New Jersey since 2024, you will receive $450.
Any ANCHOR program residents aged 65 or older will receive a bonus of $250 in addition to the above applicable payment.
What are the NJ ANCHOR program eligibility requirements?
The deadline to apply for ANCHOR is October 31, 2025.
There are several eligibility requirements for the ANCHOR program, including:
- Being a New Jersey resident since October of last year.
- Your 2024 gross income was not more than $250k as a homeowner and $150k as a renter.
- You owned or rented your main home since Oct. 1, 2024, and property taxes were paid on the home, or your rental was subject to property taxes.
- If you are a renter, your name was on the lease, and you paid the rent.
Starting this year, eligible ANCHOR homeowners will no longer need an Identification Number and PIN to file for benefits. Instead, all applicants will use ID.me to verify their identity through the online application.
When can I expect my NJ ANCHOR rebate check?
Most will receive their payment about 90 days after application.
This year's payments are expected to go out as early as September 15, 2025. If you need to change your banking details or want to request a paper check, you will have to file a new application by this deadline in order to update that information.
How do I check the status of my NJ ANCHOR tax refund?
To check the status of your payment 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.
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