New Jersey homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $1,500 in property tax relief through the ANCHOR program.
You just have to figure out how to apply. Middlesex County has created an online tool to help its residents do so. (Click here for the online portal.)
The deadline to apply is Dec. 30.
Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios said the county is attempting to do all it can to ensure its residents will get a rebate check.
“I commend Gov. (Phil) Murphy, Speaker (Craig) Coughlin and the Legislature for putting this vital program in place,” Rios said. “The ANCHOR program provides an excellent opportunity for homeowners and renters throughout New Jersey to receive much-needed property tax relief.”
Payments are scheduled to being in late spring 2023 — and will be paid in the form of direct deposit or check, not as credits to property tax bills.
Who is eligible for the ANCHOR program
New Jersey residents who owned or rented their principal residence on Oct. 1, 2019, and who meet the following income guidelines:
- Homeowners with incomes of $150,000 or less will receive $1,500;
- Homeowners with incomes more than $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000;
- Renters with incomes of $150,000 or less will receive $450.
You are considered a homeowner if, on Oct. 1, 2019, you:
- Owned a house;
- Owned a condominium and paid property taxes on your unit;
- Were a resident shareholder of a cooperative housing complex;
- Were a resident of a continuing care retirement community and your continuing care contract requires you to pay the proportionate share of property taxes attributable to your unit.
You are considered a tenant if, on Oct. 1, 2019, you:
- Rented an apartment, condominium, or house;
- Rented or owned a mobile home located in a mobile home park.
You do not qualify if you lived in tax-exempt, subsidized or campus housing.
How to apply for the ANCHOR program
- Homeowners: Eligible homeowners can apply for the ANCHOR program online, on the phone or by uploading or mailing a paper application and the necessary attachments using the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s electronic filing system. Homeowners should apply using the ID and PIN number they received in the mail. Homeowners who do not receive a mailer with their ID and PIN number but who filed a Homestead Benefit Application last year may use the online ID and PIN inquiry system to retrieve their ANCHOR ID and PIN.
- Renters: Eligible renters can apply online or upload or mail a paper application and necessary attachments using the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s electronic filing system. There is no phone option for renters. Renters will not receive an ANCHOR ID or PIN; they will use their taxpayer ID (Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in the application process.
For additional information, click here.
