New Jersey Simplifies Property Tax Relief with Combined Application for Seniors and Disabled Homeowners

In a significant move to simplify property tax relief for eligible residents, New Jersey has announced a combined application process for three key programs: Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement), ANCHOR, and the newly introduced Stay NJ program. This initiative aims to make it easier for seniors aged 65 and above, as well as disabled homeowners, to access the benefits they are entitled to.

Understanding the Combined Application

The combined application, known as PAS-1, will be available to eligible residents starting in February 2025. This single application will replace the previous separate applications for each program, streamlining the process and reducing the administrative burden on applicants. Residents can expect to receive the PAS-1 form by early March 2025, either by mail or through online access

Key Programs Included

1. Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement): This program reimburses eligible seniors for property tax increases, ensuring that their property taxes do not exceed the amount they paid in the base year.
2. ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters): ANCHOR provides direct property tax relief payments to eligible homeowners and renters, aiming to reduce the financial burden of property taxes.
3. Stay NJ Property Tax Credit Program: Set to launch in early 2025, Stay NJ offers property tax benefits to eligible homeowners aged 65 and older. It reimburses applicants for 50% of their property tax bills, up to a maximum of $13,000, with a 2024 benefit cap of $6,500. To qualify, applicants must have owned and lived in their home for the full 12 months of 2024 and have an income below $500,000. Mobile homeowners are not eligible for this program.

Application Deadlines and Payment Schedules

The deadline to submit the combined application is October 31, 2025. Payments for the Senior Freeze program will begin on July 15, 2025, with subsequent payments issued based on the applicant’s filing date. ANCHOR payments are scheduled to start on September 15, 2025, and will continue on a rolling basis, with most applicants receiving payment within 90 days, unless additional information is required. Stay NJ payments will be made quarterly beginning in 2026, with payments scheduled for February, May, August, and November. Please note that February and May payments are subject to the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, and August and November payments are subject to the Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for these programs is determined based on residency, income, and age as of 2024. For the Stay NJ program, applicants must be aged 65 or older, have owned and lived in their home for the full 12 months of 2024, and have an income below $500,000. Mobile homeowners are not eligible for the Stay NJ program. For detailed eligibility requirements and income limits, residents are encouraged to visit the official New Jersey Division of Taxation website.

How to Apply

Eligible residents can apply online at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov or by mailing the completed PAS-1 form to the address provided on the form. Assistance is available for those who need help completing the application. Residents can contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation for guidance or visit local community centers that may offer support services.

Additional Information

For more details on the combined application process, eligibility requirements, and program benefits, residents should refer to the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s official website. It’s important to stay informed about any updates or changes to the programs by regularly checking the website or contacting the Division of Taxation directly.

Conclusion

The introduction of the combined application for Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ represents a significant step toward simplifying property tax relief for seniors and disabled homeowners in New Jersey. By consolidating the application process, the state aims to ensure that eligible residents can more easily access the financial assistance they need to manage property tax expenses.

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