Homeowners and Renters May Receive Additional Refunds: If you’re a New Jersey homeowner or renter, this December might bring you an early holiday surprise — extra property tax refunds through the ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program. The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program is rolling out its final round of 2025 rebate payments, putting hundreds — and in some cases, thousands — of dollars directly into residents’ bank accounts. For many New Jersey families, this rebate isn’t just a small perk — it’s meaningful financial relief in a state known for some of the highest property taxes in America.
Table of Contents
Homeowners and Renters May Receive Additional Refunds
The ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program is one of New Jersey’s strongest efforts to help residents stay afloat amid rising living costs. Whether you’re a homeowner paying $10,000 in annual property taxes or a renter juggling high rent prices, this program offers real, cash-based relief. If you haven’t applied yet, do it now. The deadline is October 31, 2025, and the earlier you apply, the faster your refund lands.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | NJ homeowners and renters who lived in their main residence as of October 1, 2024 |
| Income Limits | Homeowners: ≤ $250,000; Renters: ≤ $150,000 |
| Homeowner Rebate | Up to $1,500; seniors (65+) get $1,750 |
| Renter Rebate | Up to $450; seniors (65+) get $700 |
| Application Deadline | October 31, 2025 |
| Payment Distribution | September through December 2025 |
| Official Website | NJ Treasury: ANCHOR Program |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or paper check |
| Taxable? | No – ANCHOR payments are non-taxable income |
What Is the NJ ANCHOR Program?
The ANCHOR program was launched in 2022 to replace the old Homestead Benefit Program. Its purpose is simple: to help residents offset the high cost of property taxes and rent in one of the most expensive housing markets in the U.S.
According to the Tax Foundation, New Jersey’s average property tax bill in 2025 is about $9,800 — roughly double the national average.
The state government recognized that this tax pressure was pushing residents — especially retirees and low-income families — to leave the state. The ANCHOR initiative aims to fix that by providing direct, tax-free payments to qualifying homeowners and renters.
Since its creation, ANCHOR has distributed over $2.1 billion in rebates to more than 1.5 million households, making it one of the largest property tax relief efforts in state history.
Who Is Eligible (and Who Isn’t)?
You may qualify for ANCHOR if you meet all these conditions:
- You owned or rented a principal residence in New Jersey on October 1, 2024.
- You filed and paid New Jersey income taxes for 2024.
- Your gross income didn’t exceed $250,000 (homeowners) or $150,000 (renters).
- For renters: your lease listed your name and you paid rent on a taxable property.
You’re not eligible if:
- You lived in a tax-exempt property, such as college dorms or government housing.
- You moved out of state before October 1, 2024.
- You own multiple homes and are claiming for a property that’s not your main residence.
How Much Can You Expect?
The rebate amount depends on income, age, and ownership status.
| Category | Income Limit | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowner under 65 | ≤ $150,000 | $1,500 |
| Homeowner (income $150k–$250k) | ≤ $250,000 | $1,000 |
| Homeowner 65+ | ≤ $150,000 | $1,750 (includes $250 bonus) |
| Renter under 65 | ≤ $150,000 | $450 |
| Renter 65+ | ≤ $150,000 | $700 (includes $250 bonus) |
Payments are non-taxable, meaning you can keep the full amount — no deductions or federal reporting required.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Homeowners and Renters May Receive Additional Refunds
Step 1: Check if you qualify
Visit NJ Treasury’s ANCHOR site to confirm your eligibility.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Have ready:
- 2024 NJ Gross Income Tax Return
- Social Security number or Tax ID
- Bank account info (for direct deposit)
- Lease agreement or property tax statement
Step 3: Apply online before October 31, 2025
Apply through the ANCHOR application portal or by mail using the official form (Form PAS-1 for seniors/disabled residents).
Step 4: Track your status
Use the payment status checker to see when your rebate is processed.
Step 5: Receive your refund
Payments are issued by direct deposit (fastest) or paper check if you didn’t share bank details.
Why Homeowners and Renters May Receive Additional Refunds Matters More Than Ever?
New Jersey ranks #1 in property taxes nationwide. For a family earning around $100,000 annually, property taxes can consume nearly 10% of their income — that’s massive.
Programs like ANCHOR aren’t just about easing bills — they’re part of a broader state strategy to retain residents, improve affordability, and support aging populations who want to stay close to family without moving to cheaper states.
Economists at Rutgers University report that ANCHOR rebates helped boost consumer spending by nearly $500 million in 2024, as residents used their rebates for essentials, debt payments, and holiday spending.
Real-Life Example: Tom & Lisa’s Story
Tom and Lisa, a middle-aged couple from Bergen County, were paying $13,000 in annual property taxes. With two college-age kids, every dollar counted.
When they learned about ANCHOR, they applied online and received a $1,750 refund within 60 days. “That check basically covered our January mortgage payment,” Tom said. “It’s not just about the money — it’s about feeling like the state finally gave something back.”
Stories like theirs show how this program provides tangible help to everyday New Jersey families.
Expert Insights and Commentary
Dr. Linda McCarthy, a Seton Hall University economist, says:
“The ANCHOR rebate program is one of the most transparent and equitable tax-relief tools in the U.S. Unlike tax credits that benefit higher earners, this program directly targets the middle and working class.”
CPA and tax consultant Michael Vasquez adds:
“I tell all my clients — homeowners and renters alike — to apply. Even if you think you might not qualify, submit the application. Many residents get surprised when they do.”
How ANCHOR Fits with Other NJ Relief Programs?
ANCHOR is part of a broader property tax relief package that includes:
- Senior Freeze Program: Locks property taxes for eligible seniors.
- Stay NJ Program: Provides future long-term tax reductions for homeowners 65 and older.
- Veterans Property Tax Deduction: $250 credit for eligible veterans and surviving spouses.
If you’re eligible for multiple programs, you can apply for all — they stack together to increase your total relief.
Economic Impact: Billions Back to Residents
By the end of 2025, state officials estimate:
- Over $2.5 billion will be distributed through ANCHOR payments.
- The average household benefit will exceed $1,200.
- Seniors will receive more than $600 million collectively.
These refunds don’t just help individuals; they strengthen local economies, especially in counties with high living costs like Bergen, Morris, and Essex.
Avoiding Scams and Mistakes
With millions of dollars being sent out, scammers are also active. To stay safe:
- Apply only through official “.nj.gov” websites.
- Don’t respond to texts or emails offering “expedited refunds.”
- Never pay a “processing fee” — applications are 100% free.
- Check your payment status using official links only.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Refund
- Apply early — it speeds up processing and avoids backlog delays.
- Opt for direct deposit — safer and faster than mailed checks.
- Keep copies of your application confirmation and tax forms.
- Use your rebate wisely — consider applying it toward utility bills, home repairs, or emergency savings.
- If you’re 65+ or disabled, apply for Senior Freeze in addition to ANCHOR.
$2,000 Stimulus Checks Are Coming; But Here’s What You MUST Verify First with the IRS
New Bill Could Force Social Security to Issue New Numbers—Are You Affected?
$500 a Month, No Strings Attached; Are You Eligible for America’s First Guaranteed Income Program?
