ANCHOR Tax Rebate: Eligibility Expands, Application Process Changes

NEW JERSEY — Garden State homeowners and renters who got property tax rebates through the Affordable Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program last year will not have to file again for next year, in most cases.

More than 1.7 million renters and homeowners applied for ANCHOR last year and got a tax rebate ranging from $450 to $1,500, said the New Jersey Department of the Treasury. Most of these residents won't have to do anything to get a rebate this year, officials said.

And, another 2 million homeowners and renters may be eligible to apply for the second year of the program, which pays up to $1,500 in tax rebates.

The application will use 2020 tax data. Those who owned or rented their primary residence in New Jersey as of Oct. 1, 2020, and made under a certain income threshold, are eligible.

Here's what to know about this year's filing deadlines, eligibility, and when to expect a payment.

If you got an ANCHOR rebate last year

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury said that more than 1.3 million residents who got a rebate last year should get a letter soon, confirming they are eligible for this year’s ANCHOR program.

The residents who receive these letters will not have to re-file an application to get their tax relief money this year, officials said. The Division of Taxation began mailing benefit confirmation letters to these residents on Wednesday, said the Department of the Treasury.

If recipients have not moved or changed their bank information/other qualifying information since last year, their benefits should be automatically distributed by Nov. 1, said Treasury officials. The money will arrive via check or direct deposit, matching their choice from last year.

Recipients who need to change their mailing address, bank account number, or other qualifying information outlined in the letter must make updates in the online ANCHOR portal by Sept. 30. Then, benefits will be distributed on a rolling basis within 90 days of filing.

If you are applying for ANCHOR for the first time

Those who qualify for ANCHOR should receive a green or purple filing packet in the mail by Sept. 1 with filing instructions. Applicants have until Dec. 29 to file an application, and benefits will be distributed on a rolling basis within 90 days of filing.

Here are the eligibility requirements for homeowners:

• New Jersey residents who owned and occupied a home in New Jersey as their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2020
• Paid 2020 property taxes on that home
• Had a gross income of less than $250,000

Here are the eligibility requirements for renters:

• New Jersey residents who rented and occupied a residence in New Jersey that was their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2020
• Paid rent at the residence, and had their name on the lease or rental agreement
• Had a gross income of less than $150,000
• Rented a property that was subject to local property taxes

More information can be found at anchor.nj.gov.