The Treasury's Division of Taxation will commence the ANCHOR property tax relief program next week, mailing letters to approximately 1.5 million New Jersey residents to confirm their automatic eligibility for this season's benefit. The Division has introduced several changes aimed at simplifying the application process for new applicants and enhancing taxpayer experience.
"From day one, our Administration has strived to make New Jersey more affordable for residents across our state," said Governor Phil Murphy. "The ANCHOR program continues to deliver on our promise of increasing affordability for millions of New Jerseyans. I'd like to thank the hardworking staff at the Department of the Treasury, particularly the Division of Taxation, for their efforts to make this crucial program convenient and accessible."
"Since the launch of the program in 2022, ANCHOR has grown to be one of the most impactful property tax relief initiatives in New Jersey's history," said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. "ANCHOR is inclusive of New Jerseyans at all stages of life, from young people renting their first apartment, to retirees living in the place they've called home for decades. Nearly two million people in the Garden State have benefited from ANCHOR, and we hope to see all eligible residents apply for this significant property tax relief."
"We are maintaining our commitment to affordability by providing a historic level of property tax relief to approximately 1.8 million households in New Jersey," said Senate President Nick Scutari. "ANCHOR will deliver much-needed relief to help ease the burden of property taxes for middle-class families, senior citizens and working people throughout the state. This program provides direct financial assistance for homeowners and renters who need it most."
"We listened to our constituents and set our priorities accordingly when we passed the largest property tax relief program in state history," said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. "ANCHOR has delivered billions to New Jersey families, making our state more affordable. It has eased burdens on homeowners and renters and now in its third year has become a reliable resource. My thanks to Governor Murphy and my colleagues in the legislature for delivering on this agenda, including further property tax relief for seniors with StayNJ."
"By working directly with dozens of taxpayers to better understand their experience, we've been able to identify ways to improve the ANCHOR application process and make significant changes so residents can smoothly and easily get property tax relief," said New Jersey Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole. "The Office of Innovation has been proud to partner with the Treasurer and her team to help ensure New Jersey remains affordable for homeowners and renters while also making State operations more efficient."
Continuing last season's streamlined application system, most homeowners and renters who previously received an ANCHOR benefit will have applications filed automatically on their behalf starting August 19th when confirmation letters are mailed out.
If personal information listed (name, mailing address or banking information) has changed since their last payment, taxpayers must file a new application by September 15th via anchor.nj.gov.
Payments will be issued on a rolling basis beginning November with a filing deadline set at November 30th.
To reach eligible homeowners and renters who have not previously applied, over two million residences will receive mailers beginning August 26th detailing how they can apply.
This marks ANCHOR’s third year distributing benefits; last year's initiative covered $2.1 billion distributed among over 1.8 million recipients with payments ranging from $450-$1500 plus an additional $250 bonus for those aged over 65.
As part ongoing fraud prevention efforts many applicants must undergo extra identity verification steps including creating or using existing ID.me accounts or visiting Regional Information Centers showing valid identification documents such as driver’s licenses or passports.
Additionally paper applications have been largely eliminated replaced by secure online document uploads although traditional paper forms remain available upon request along improvements made call center operations doubling agent numbers implementing callback features ensuring better service quality overall
For further details visit anchor.nj.gov contact hotline numbers provided obtain assistance Regional Information Centers
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