TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS
There are two separate and distinct property tax relief programs available to New Jersey homeowners.
Property Tax Reimbursement Program (forms are sent out by the State in February) For information call 1-800-882-6597 - Hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, except for state holidays. Deadline to apply has been extended to October 31, 2024
The 2023 Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) checks for applicants who filed by June 1, 2024 are scheduled to be mailed commencing in mid July 2024.
This program is designed to freeze the burden of increasing real estate taxes for qualified applicants by establishing a base year of eligibility and comparing that “base” with any subsequent year, the difference to be refunded by the State annually. Eligibility must be continuous otherwise a new base year must be established.
Qualifications are as follows:
- Must make application annually (with the state)
- Homeowners age 65 or older or receiving Federal Social Security Disability Benefits and who paid property taxes on their principal residence in New Jersey;
- Applicants must be NJ residents for at least 10 years, and living in their current home for the last 3 years;
- Applicant must meet certain income limits for both the “base year” (year applicant first became eligible) and the application year. Income requirements are set by the State annually;
- Property taxes must be paid in full within the year applied for.
For further information or to request an application, please call the State of New Jersey Property Tax Reimbursement Hotline at 1-800-882-6597.
Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR)
This program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who own or rent property in New Jersey as their principal residence and meet certain income limits. The current filing season for the ANCHOR benefit is based on 2020 residency, income and age.
Homeowner Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible if you meet these requirements:
- You were a New Jersey resient; and
- You owned and occupied a home in New Jersey that was your principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2020; and
- 2020 Property taxes were paid on that home; and
- Your 2020 New Jersey gross income was not more than $250,000.
Renter Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible for an ANCHOR benefit based on 2020 residency, income, and age, if you met these requirements:
- You were a New Jersey resident; and
- Your 2020 New Jersey gross income was not more than $150,000; and
- Your name was on the lease or rental agreement; and
- You paid rent; and
- You rented and occupied a residence in New Jersey that was your principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2020; and
- The rental property was subject to local property taxes, (see Qualified and Non-Qualified Rental Properties.)
Additional information can be found on the New Jersey State Division of Taxation Website