Marina
If you live in New Jersey and missed prior chances, there’s an urgent opportunity: you’ve got until October 31, 2025, to claim up to $1,750 in property tax relief via the ANCHOR program (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters).
This relief is part of a broader tax refund scheme that combines ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ programs. Eligible homeowners and renters—especially those aged 65+ or on disability—can benefit if they satisfy certain criteria.
In this article, we break down every requirement, benefit amount, deadlines, and application steps — with a clear table for your reference.
What Is the $1,750 Refund & Why the October 31 Deadline?
- The $1,750 maximum applies to senior homeowners (65 or older) with gross income up to $150,000.
- For 2025 property tax relief, the state mailed benefit confirmation letters and is running rolling payments, but those who haven’t been auto-filed must apply by October 31.
- The deadline to file a new or manual application (especially for seniors or disability recipients) is October 31, 2025.
- Payments under the ANCHOR program began September 15, 2025, and are issued on a rolling basis, typically within 90 days of a valid application.
Eligibility Requirements & Income Limits
To qualify for the refund, applicants must satisfy residency, property, income, and filing rules.
Key Criteria
- Primary Residence
- You must own or rent a dwelling in New Jersey as your principal residence as of October 1, 2024.
- The property must be subject to local property taxes (not exempt under special status).
- For co-ops, condominiums, mobile home parks, or retirement communities (if you pay prorated taxes), eligibility may still apply.
- Income Limits (2024 Gross NJ Income)
| Applicant Type | Income Cap for Full Benefit | Income Range for Reduced Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowners | ≤ $150,000 | $150,001 – $250,000 |
| Renters | ≤ $150,000 | (Generally no benefit beyond base) |
- Special Status: 65+ or Disability / SSDI
- If you are 65 or older (by December 31, 2024) or receiving Social Security disability benefits, you are not auto-filed. You must manually file Form PAS-1, which is the combined application for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ.
- This applies even if you only want ANCHOR benefits.
- Updating Info / New Applicants
- If you previously received a confirmation letter and your banking or address changed, you must file a new application/update by September 15, 2025.
- If you did not receive a confirmation letter but think you qualify, you must manually apply by October 31.
How Much Can You Receive — Breakdown of Benefit Amounts
Benefit amounts differ depending on whether you’re a homeowner or renter, your age, and your income bracket. Below is a breakdown:
| Status & Condition | Base Benefit | Senior / Bonus | Total Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowner under 65 (income ≤ $150,000) | $1,500 | + $250 if 65+ | (If age 65+, $1,750) |
| Homeowner under 65 (income > $150,000 to $250,000) | $1,000 | + $250 if 65+ | Up to $1,250 |
| Renter under 65 | $450 | — | $450 |
| Renter aged 65+ | $450 | + $250 bonus | $700 |
In short:
- A senior homeowner (65+) earning ≤ $150,000 may receive up to $1,750.
- Renters 65+ can get up to $700.
Also, a new program called Stay NJ (effective 2026) may reimburse up to 50% of property taxes (capped at $13,000) after applying ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Collect Documents
- 2024 New Jersey gross income (NJ-1040)
- Property tax / rental property details (county, block, lot, tax paid)
- Identification (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.) for ID.me verification online
- Determine Whether Auto-File or Manual
- If under 65 and not on SSDI, and received a confirmation letter, your application may already been auto-filed.
- If over 65 or receiving SSDI, or you did not get a letter, file PAS-1 manually (online or by paper) by October 31.
- Online Filing & Identity Verification
- Use NJ’s propertytaxreliefapp.nj.gov or specified portal
- Verify identity through ID.me — no more PINs or identification mailers
- Submit Before Deadline
- For new or incomplete applicants = October 31, 2025
- Wait for Payment
- Payments begin September 15 rolling; most processed within 90 days
- Status can be checked via NJ’s online portal or hotline 1-888-238-1233
Why Many Miss Out
Even though the benefit is significant, many qualified residents fail to claim it because:
- They don’t receive the confirmation letter, so they think they aren’t eligible
- They miss the filing deadline
- They assume their income is too high, despite benefits tapering
- They don’t understand requirements like property tax eligibility or needing PAS-1
Given the sums involved, it’s essential to act if you believe you’re eligible.
If you qualify, now is the time to act: October 31, 2025 is your last chance to claim up to $1,750 under the NJ ANCHOR program (with additional benefits possible via Senior Freeze and Stay NJ).
With payments already in motion from September 15, it’s crucial to gather your income statements, property info, and identification, then file either via auto-file (if eligible) or submit the combined PAS-1 form.
Don’t leave money on the table — check eligibility today and file before the deadline.
FAQs
Can I still apply after October 31 if I didn’t get a letter?
No — October 31, 2025 is the final deadline for new/manual applications. Late submissions are not accepted under current rules.
Will this refund affect my other New Jersey state benefits or taxes?
No. This is a property tax relief credit, not income, so it generally does not reduce other benefits or count as taxable income.
Does owning multiple properties or vacation homes qualify me for more refunds?
No. You can only claim for your primary residence in New Jersey (owned or rented) as of October 1, 2024. Secondary or vacation properties are excluded.