New Jersey issued millions in checks for its “Senior Freeze” property tax program last year — and that’s just the beginning. The Garden State has announced that more checks could go out as early as July 2025. This could provide relief for older adult residents who live in one of the most expensive states for homeowners.
Let’s look at this program to see if you qualify for property tax relief.
What is the New Jersey ‘Senior Tax Freeze’ program?
Despite its name, the “Senior Freeze” program does not actually “freeze” your property taxes. Rather, the program reimburses eligible New Jersey residents for any property tax increases once they're enrolled. The program accomplishes this by locking your property tax in the year you enroll.
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What are the requirements for the 'Senior Tax Freeze' in NJ?
You are eligible for Senior Freeze if you are 65 or older as of the end of the prior tax year, or on Social Security disability payments as of the end of last year.
Only property taxes for a primary residence or mobile home park site fees are included in the tax break program.
Additional eligibility requirements are as follows:
- You must be a New Jersey resident.
- You must own and live in your home or mobile home since at least December 31, 2020.
- Your total annual income must have been $163,050 or less for 2023, and $168,268 or less for 2024
Starting this year, "Senior Freeze" recipients will no longer need to supply proof they paid property taxes with their application.
For purposes of this program, your “income” includes taxable pension and annuity payment amounts, including IRA withdrawals and all unemployment benefits you receive. Some exclusions or other income limits may apply.
What is excluded from the NJ tax relief program?
There are several exclusions to the Senior Freeze.
- For example, vacation homes and secondary homes are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Additionally, the property you rent from someone else doesn’t qualify for this program.
- Property with a commercial unit on it or property with more than four units may also be ineligible.
For more eligibility information, visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation website.
How do I check my NJ Senior Freeze status to get my check?
The NJ Senior Freeze due date to apply for the 2024 tax year is October 31st, 2025.
The new process for applying to New Jersey’s "Senior Freeze" program is to fill out a “PAS-1” application. This replaces the separate applications for “Senior Freeze” and NJ ANCHOR programs. You can also apply for the new Stay NJ program on the PAS-1.
New Jersey’s Taxation Division has issued instructions for how many residents will apply for property tax relief programs moving forward:
- 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.
To learn more about how the program calculates payment or for questions about your reimbursement status, you can call the New Jersey Property Tax Relief helpline at 1-888-238-1233.
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