Trouble With NJ's Tax-Rebate Hotline Prompts Action

NEW JERSEY — The hotline for New Jersey's new property-tax relief program has experienced call-volume issues in recent days, officials confirmed Wednesday. Some taxpayers can't connect over the phone with a representative to speak about the ANCHOR program (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) — an issue many callers faced at the beginning of the filing season.

The ANCHOR benefit replaced the Homestead Rebate this year as New Jersey's primary program for property tax relief. About 2 million residents qualify for ANCHOR relief, which triples the number of residents eligible for the new rebate. That's resulted in some issues with the ANCHOR hotline, which taxpayers with questions can call.

"We are aware that some taxpayers have been unable to speak with a representative from the ANCHOR hotline, and we recognize and understand their frustration," said State Treasury spokesperson Melina Caliendo. "The ANCHOR property tax relief program expanded eligibility to many more New Jerseyans, including renters for the first time in a generation, and the response has been tremendous."

To remedy the phone issues, the treasury's Division of Taxation began training additional staff to take calls. The hotline hours also extended, now operating from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays.

State officials also expanded email and fax options for getting gross income and ID/PIN information, Caliendo says. The treasury encouraged people with questions to check the program's FAQ.

The ANCHOR hotline faced similar issues in the program's earlygoing, with residents reporting last September that they couldn't connect with a representative. But officials reported smoother operations once they added call-center staff, increased the queue and monitored call flow so nobody in the queue waited longer than 30 minutes. Read more: Property Tax Rebate Update: Slowdown Addressed By NJ

The state has extended the filing deadline twice since the program began. Taxpayers now have until Feb. 28 to apply for the rebate. State officials still plan to issue payments as checks or deposits beginning late spring and no later than May.

Renters and homeowners can apply online or via paper application. Homeowners can also apply by phone — this is a different number than the ANCHOR hotline. See filing options here.

The average benefit is $971 for each eligible resident. Homeowners with a household income of less than $150,000 can get a $1,500 rebate. Homeowners with a household income between $150,000 and $250,000 can receive $1,000. Renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450 each.

The benefit is for 2019, so residents should file with their primary residence from Oct. 1 of that year.