Didn't Get ANCHOR Rebate? Here’s What May Be Delaying NJ Payments

NEW JERSEY — In a surprise move, ANCHOR tax rebate money arrived early Thursday to many bank accounts. For some, getting their money is only a matter of time while others may not see their payouts at all.

On Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy and State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio said that more than 700,000 Garden State residents should begin seeing their tax rebates in their bank accounts (if they chose to get the money through direct deposit).

Others, who had to change their information or became eligible for the first time this year, will receive the rebate on a rolling basis after their application is approved.

But in some cases, that money will be held up – as part of what is called a set-off or offset program, which diverts taxpayer refunds to pay state or federal debts from unpaid taxes, traffic fines, child support, or other government programs. The New Jersey Division of Taxation said it will notify residents by mail if they are owed a refund, but an agency claims that they owe a debt.

For example, the state Child Support Program could intercept ANCHOR payments for residents or their spouses who owe equal to or more than one month’s worth of child support.

According to the Division of Taxation, anyone who will have their ANCHOR rebate diverted to pay debts will get a notice with information about:

• The amount of tax refund or benefit payment available to pay that debt;
• The name of the agency or agencies that requested payment and each agency’s contact information; and
• How much time you have to contact the agency with questions, disputes or proof of payment.

If you have questions about the hold or you dispute the debt, you must contact the holding agency or agencies directly – not the Department of the Treasury, said state officials. Your refund will not be released until the debt is settled.

Click here to learn more about the set-off and offset programs in New Jersey that may be holding up your ANCHOR rebate.

ANCHOR payment timeline and how to apply

Earlier this year, Murphy and State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio informed about 1.3 million residents that they would not have to apply for the second year of ANCHOR, which stands for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters. They set a target date of the first week of November for the second payments; Murphy confirmed this week that almost every applicant will receive their rebate by Nov. 1.

New applicants, and those who had to change information from last year's application, will receive payments on a rolling basis.

"Nearly every ANCHOR applicant who has applied to date should receive their benefit by November 1st and payments will continue to be made on a rolling basis as eligible residents apply," officials said.

The more than 2 million residents who are newly eligible for ANCHOR this year should have received 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.

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.

Click here to inquire about the status of your ANCHOR benefit.

In its first year, the ANCHOR program offered tax rebates ranging from $450 to $1,500 to New Jersey residents making under a certain income threshold. Treasury officials said in total, 1.7 million homeowners and renters applied for, and received, a benefit last year. The average benefit is $971 for each eligible resident, state officials said.

The payment amount increased for this year for seniors — up to $1,750 for senior homeowners and $700 for renters, as laid out in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Those under 65 will receive between $450 and $1,500, state officials said.

Related article:

• ANCHOR Payments Arrive Early In NJ: See When You'll Get Yours