Gov. Phil Murphy, state Senate President Nicholas Scutari and state Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin have announced officials are extending the application deadline and expanding eligibility for the new ANCHOR property tax relief program.
The three state leaders said they would embark on an advertising and marketing campaign to make sure every eligible New Jerseyan takes advantage of the relief, according to a press release from Murphy’s office.
Murphy, Scutari and Coughlin announced that the ANCHOR application deadline is being extended to Jan. 31, 2023, giving taxpayers an extra month to apply.
Additionally, tenants (renters) who had previously been ineligible because their unit is under a Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement are now eligible to apply for the benefit, according to the press release.
“In order to achieve meaningful relief for hard-working taxpayers, we must expand access and improve awareness of our efforts to promote affordability and opportunity in New Jersey,” said Murphy.
“I want to thank our partners in the Legislature once again for sharing our commitment to deliver real property tax relief to as many people as possible. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, New Jersey will remain the best state to live, work and raise a family,” he said.
Treasury’s Division of Taxation is soliciting proposals for a statewide marketing and advertising campaign to build upon the organic promotional efforts that have been undertaken to date in order to increase general awareness of the new program, make sure tenants know they are eligible and make taxpayers aware of the new changes, according to the press release.
“For the residents of New Jersey, affordability is the most pressing issue and property taxes are the greatest burden,” said Scutari. “We are making use of resources to address this need by helping homeowners and renters with direct financial assistance. Extending the deadline will give our residents a greater ability to take advantage of a program that will help make their lives more affordable.”
“Expanding eligibility for renters and extending the deadline only strengthens (our) commitment (to residents) and ensures all who need relief will have the time and awareness to benefit,” said Coughlin. ” … this truly remains a game-changer for folks who have seen their budgets stretched further and further.”
Under the ANCHOR program, the size of the benefit and the number of eligible applicants has increased substantially, compared to the previous Homestead Benefit (which ANCHOR is replacing), including double the amount of homeowners and nearly a million tenants who had not been eligible for property tax relief in recent years, according to the press release.
More than 870,000 homeowners with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $1,500 in relief; more than 290,000 homeowners with incomes over $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000; and more than 900,000 renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450 to help offset rent increases, according to the press release.
All payments will begin going out in late spring, regardless of when taxpayers file. Payments will be issued in the form of checks or direct deposits and are not subject to federal or state income tax.
To be eligible for this year’s benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on Oct. 1, 2019 and file or be exempt from New Jersey income taxes.
Eligible homeowners can apply online, by phone or via paper application, which can be downloaded online and returned by mail.
Tenants can apply online or download the application from the Taxation website and return by mail (there is no phone option for tenants, as this is the first time this group will be eligible for property tax relief), according to the press release.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the detailed information posted on the Division of Taxation website, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, before calling the ANCHOR hotline. For more information, visit nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor/ or call the ANCHOR hotline at 1-888-238–1233.
