New Property Tax Relief Applications Sent Out In NJ: What To Know

NEW JERSEY — More than one million of the new applications for New Jersey's property tax relief programs have been mailed out to eligible residents, the state Treasury Department said.

The PAS-1 allows seniors and disabled homeowners to apply for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and the upcoming Stay NJ program with one form. The new application has been available online since February, and paper "blue books" of the PAS-1 form are expected to arrive to eligible residents by April 15.

"Only seniors aged 65 or older and disabled homeowners or mobile homeowners are eligible to use the PAS-1 combined application to apply for the State’s property tax relief programs," officials noted.

Eligible residents must file the PAS-1 by Oct. 31 online, or by using the paper form — this includes senior taxpayers who may only qualify for ANCHOR. The Treasury will determine applicants' eligibility and send them a letter with the specific benefits they qualify for.

What if I'm not eligible for the PAS-1?

Other homeowners and renters who typically receive benefits from the ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program will get a letter this summer confirming their auto-file eligibility, officials said. This means that the Division of Taxation will file applications on their behalf.

Other eligible residents may receive an application mailer.

"We anticipate ANCHOR applications can start being filed in August for either new applicants or taxpayers who need to modify their information," said Danielle Currie, deputy director of communications for the Treasurer's office.

When will benefits be issued, and how much can I expect?

ANCHOR benefit amounts are expected to be the same as the previous few years: A maximum of $1,750 for senior homeowners, and $700 for senior renters, depending on their income. For those under 65, benefits top out at $450 for renters and $1,500 for homeowners.

Senior Freeze applies to residents 65 and older, or disabled residents, who are homeowners and mobile home owners. The program provides a reimbursement based on how much property owners' taxes have gone up over time, and how long they've been signed up for Senior Freeze.

An applicant’s total annual income must have been $168,268 or less in 2024, and $163,050 or less in 2023, to be eligible.

Stay NJ is a new program, promising to provide senior homeowners (not renters) who make as much as $500,000 a year with a benefit of up to $6,500, if their combined Senior Freeze and ANCHOR benefits do not hit that amount.

For all taxpayers, the Treasury estimates that Senior Freeze payments will begin going out on July 15, and ANCHOR payments on Sept. 15.

Stay NJ payments will be made quarterly beginning in 2026, subject to funding in the state budget.