Most New Jersey residents who previously received property tax rebates through the state’s ANCHOR program in 2022 will be automatically reenrolled this year and should get their checks in the fall.
Gov. Phil Murphy made the announcement Tuesday night on WNYC’s Ask Governor Murphy. He said state officials are mailing 1.3 million homeowners and renters letters this week informing them that they are eligible for the second year of the ANCHOR program — short for the Affordable Communities for Homeowners and Renters — and don’t have to reapply for relief.
“This is a game-changer,” Murphy said on the show. “It drops your property tax levels back a decade or more.”
He said most residents will receive direct deposit payments or checks with their rebates by Nov. 1, much earlier than the inaugural year of ANCHOR — the 2022-2023 fiscal year, when residents didn’t receive their rebates until March.
“Not only are we providing a record level of tax relief that will ease the burden of property taxes, we are making it more convenient and ensuring that those who qualify take advantage of the opportunity for the financial assistance,” state Senate President Nick Scutari said in a statement issued by the governor’s office just after Murphy made the announcement on-air. “This is especially important for senior citizens who will have an easier time receiving the increased benefits we added to the program,”
Homeowners making less than $250,000 a year and renters earning less than $150,000 a year are eligible for the program. Renters 65 or older will receive $700 rebates, and those under 65 will receive $450. Homeowners 65 or older will receive $1,750 if they earn less than $150,000 and $1,250 if they earn between $150,000-$250,000. Homeowners under 65 will receive $1,500 if they earn less than $150,000 and $1,000 if they earn between $150,000-$250,000.
Residents who received ANCHOR relief last year but changed their mailing address, bank account numbers or other qualifying information in the time since will need to file new applications by Sept. 30, officials said.
Residents automatically reenrolled who have not changed their information should receive their confirmation letters in white envelopes with the words “ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter” in red ink. Those residents do not need to do anything to get the rebates, and can expect them the same way they were previously received.
The Division of Taxation said it will also mail applications to two million residents to reach additional homeowners and residents who qualify for tax relief. Residents have until Dec. 29 to apply and should get checks within 90 days.
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