Apply For NJ Tax Rebate Before Deadline, Belleville Officials Urge

BELLEVILLE, NJ — If you’re a Belleville resident concerned about your property taxes, it will pay to make sure that you’ve applied for the state’s new rebate program, town officials say.

According to a municipal news release, Mayor Michael Melham and the Township Council are suggesting that local homeowners apply for the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) property tax relief program, which replaces the state’s previous Homestead Benefit.

New Jersey recently extended the deadline for applications to Jan. 31. However, on Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy's office announced that the deadline has been extended yet again to Feb. 28. Additionally, tenants (renters) who had previously been ineligible because their unit is under a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement are now eligible to apply for the benefit. Learn more here.

“For Belleville residents, some of whom live on a fixed income, affordability remains a top concern,” Melham said.

“Extending the deadline gives residents a greater ability to take advantage of a program that will help make their lives just a little more affordable,” Melham added.

According to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, more than 870,000 homeowners with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $1,500 in relief through the ANCHOR program; more than 290,000 homeowners with incomes over $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000; and more than 900,000 renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450 to help offset rent increases.

To be eligible for this year’s benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on October 1, 2019 and file or be exempt from New Jersey income taxes.

To apply, visit the Division of Taxation’s website at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor. The state has also established an ANCHOR hotline at 1-888-238–1233.

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