New Jersey state officials have announced that residents aged 65 or older, as well as disabled homeowners, will soon be able to apply for three property tax relief programs through a single application. The programs include Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and the new StayNJ initiative. This development was confirmed by state Treasury officials on Wednesday.
The application process is set to commence online in mid-February at www.propertytaxrelief.nj.gov. Additionally, the Division of Taxation plans to distribute the new combined application form, referred to as PAS-1, to over one million households by early March.
Eligibility for the PAS-1 combined application is limited to seniors aged 65 or older and disabled homeowners or mobile homeowners. This streamlined form replaces previous separate applications for Senior Freeze and ANCHOR benefits and will also cover the forthcoming StayNJ program.
State budget appropriations will influence the availability of these property tax relief programs, according to a statement from the Treasury Department. Meanwhile, most other homeowners and renters who typically benefit from ANCHOR can expect an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter this summer confirming their automatic eligibility. Other eligible individuals may receive an invitation via mailer to apply.
While applications open in February 2025, benefits distribution will begin in July 2025 on a rolling basis. The deadline for completing the combined application is October 31, 2025.
Applicants familiar with previous versions of Senior Freeze or ANCHOR should note some changes:
- For Senior Freeze recipients: Income eligibility standards have been updated. Applicants' total annual income must not exceed $168,268 in 2024 and $163,050 in 2023. Proof of property taxes paid is no longer required with the application.
- For ANCHOR homeowner recipients: An Identification Number and PIN are no longer necessary for filing benefits.
“This new one-stop application will make it simpler for residents to apply for the property tax relief benefits they’re entitled to,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio.
