ANCHOR Deadline Changes In NJ: What To Know

NEW JERSEY — The deadline has been extended for New Jersey taxpayers to apply for ANCHOR, the state's property tax relief program.

Originally set for Nov. 30, the deadline now stands at Dec. 6 for new applicants to submit their information to the state and get up to $1,750 back in their bank accounts. This will give eligible homeowners and renters more time after the Thanksgiving holiday, the Department of the Treasury said this week.

Two million people are expected to get a property tax benefit this year, and payment amounts range from $450 for renters to $1,500 for homeowners. There is an extra $250 available to eligible senior residents.

To date, the Division of Taxation has distributed ANCHOR benefits to 1.6 million taxpayers, totaling more than $1.9 billion.

“With the busy holiday season upon us, we’ve extended the ANCHOR season to ensure all qualifying New Jerseyans are able to apply for this significant property tax relief,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “We encourage homeowners and renters across New Jersey to check their eligibility and apply so that those who qualify do not miss out on this important benefit.”

Those residents who applied, but haven't seen their benefit arrive in the mail or in their bank accounts can go to the "Check Benefit Status" page on the Division of Taxation website. To do so, you'll need a valid Social Security Number/ Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and your ZIP code. Select the 2021 tax year from the list of options.

The benefit status check tool is updated twice a week, per the state.

Overall, the state sent benefit confirmation letters to 1.5 million residents who were already in the ANCHOR system, and another 2 million application mailers went out in late August. If you didn't get a mailer or happen to lose yours, you can still check your eligibility and sign up at anchor.nj.gov by Dec. 6.

Eligibility and payments for this year's ANCHOR program are based on your 2021 residency, income, and age. For that year, homeowners must have had an annual gross income of $250,000 or less, and renters must have had an annual income of $150,000 or less to be eligible.

For more information about the program, go to anchor.nj.gov. Applicants may also call the ANCHOR hotline at (609) 826-4282 or 1-888-238-1233, get in-person assistance at a Regional Information Center, or stop by one of the in-person ANCHOR help events scheduled around the state.

Related articles —

• Haven't Received Your ANCHOR Money? Here's What To Know
• ANCHOR Benefit Status Tool Back Online After Fraud Investigation