Belleville Homeowners, Renters Can Apply For NJ Tax Relief: Mayor

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Tax relief may be on the way through the state's new program for many Belleville homeowners and renters. But local residents should keep a key date in mind, the town's mayor says: December 30.

Earlier this week, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham urged local residents to stay on top of their applications for the state’s new property tax relief program, which has been dubbed the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR).

The average New Jersey property tax bill in New Jersey was $9,284 in 2021 — among the highest in the nation. Rough figures from the ANCHOR program average a $971 annual benefit for two million residents. Read More: NJ's $2B Property Tax Rebate Program Opens (How To Get Paid)

While Gov. Phil Murphy has touted the new program as a key component to making New Jersey more affordable, some Republican lawmakers have called it a gimmick that doesn't go far enough amid high taxes and inflation.

HOW IT WORKS

“With the current state budget surplus, the governor and state Legislature have created a program to provide direct relief for property taxes and rent,” Melham said. “But to receive a check – expected to arrive by the spring – it is important that you apply by the Dec. 30 deadline.”

Here are some key details about the program, according to Belleville town officials:

• There are income guidelines, in which the program will provide up to $1,500 to taxpayers with 2019 gross incomes up to $150,000, and up to $1,000 for those with gross incomes between $150,000 and $250,000. ANCHOR also includes tenants, who can receive $450 if their gross income was $150,000 or less.
• The filing deadline is Dec. 30, with checks sent by next May.
• Applications started to be emailed on Sept. 13, while paper applications will be mailed beginning today, Sept. 19. State officials say the applications are being sent on a rolling basis through the end of this month. Note the mailing schedule here.
• For any questions, contact the ANCHOR Hotline at 888-238-1233. Taxpayers can apply online or by phone at 877-658-2972 once they receive the application.

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