It's time once again for many New Jersey residents to claim property tax relief. Thanks to the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program, potentially millions of eligible taxpayers will receive billions in payments in 2026.
The state’s ANCHOR program is designed to provide property tax relief for renters and homeowners, and eligible residents could receive payments as early as September.
When will you get yours?
We’ll cover what you can expect, the program, and the eligibility requirements — plus, there's still time to apply if you haven't already.
Key Points
- The New Jersey ANCHOR program is designed to provide property tax relief for eligible renters and homeowners.
- The PAS-1 application replaced the old application method for some applicants.
- ANCHOR rebates are going out later in 2026.
FAQs
What is the NJ ANCHOR program?
The ANCHOR program is a tax rebate for New Jersey-eligible residents renting or owning homes. The bill was signed into law about four years ago. Since then, millions in the Garden State have been provided property tax relief.
Many taxpayers who applied for ANCHOR last year will be automatically enrolled for this year’s payout.
However, if you are 65 or older or on Social Security disability payments, you need to complete a PAS-1 application. This is a "one-stop shop" to apply for ANCHOR and other property tax relief programs, NJ "Senior Freeze," and Stay NJ.
- Applicants fill out a single "PAS-1" application for all property tax relief (ANCHOR, "Senior Freeze," Stay NJ).
- Applications can be mailed in, OR
- Applicants can file online.
- The deadline to apply for PAS-1 is November 2, 2026.
If you don't qualify for "Senior Freeze" or Stay NJ, the PAS-1 application may not be right for you.
Eligible applicants under 65 or who were not receiving Social Security Disability benefits will receive a letter from the state’s Division of Taxation confirming their eligibility for the NJ ANCHOR program by the end of August 2026.
If you don't receive an ANCHOR benefit letter but believe you are eligible for the program, you can apply online.
How do I check my NJ ANCHOR status?
The New Jersey Division of Taxation will start distributing ANCHOR payments on September 15, 2026. After that, most benefit recipients will receive their payment about 90 days after their application.
So, for example, if you apply by the November 2 deadline, your ANCHOR rebate may not reach you until January 31, 2027 (though state holidays may delay the payment).
To check the status of your payment or for general New Jersey property tax relief questions, call 1-888-238-1233. The state’s Division of Taxation has an automatic callback feature, allowing you to be placed in a queue rather than wait on hold.
You can also visit one of the state’s Regional Information Centers in person for more information.
How much is the ANCHOR benefit in NJ?
This year’s ANCHOR payments haven't been officially announced yet. However, based on historical data, NJ ANCHOR payouts will likely be based on 2025 income limits.
That means if you have been a New Jersey homeowner since 2025 (and based on anticipated projections)...
- With $150k in gross income or less, you might receive $1,500.
- With $150k to $250k in gross income, you might receive $1,000.
...and if you have been a renter in New Jersey since 2025, you might receive $450.
Any ANCHOR program residents aged 65 or older might receive a bonus of $250 in addition to the above applicable payment.
What are the NJ ANCHOR application requirements?
There are several eligibility requirements for the ANCHOR program, including:
- Having been a New Jersey resident since October of last year.
- Your 2025 gross income was not more than $250k as a homeowner and $150k as a renter.
- You owned or rented your main home since Oct. 1, 2025, and property taxes were paid on the home, or your rental was subject to property taxes.
- If you were a renter, your name was on the lease, and you paid the rent.
Starting last year, eligible ANCHOR homeowners no longer need an Identification Number and PIN to file for benefits. Instead, all applicants use ID.me to verify their identity through the online application.
