If you live in New Jersey, there’s a decent chance a nice tax rebate is heading your way—just in time for the holidays. While federal tax season wrapped up back in April, state-level tax programs are still active, and some are offering serious money back. One of the most notable is New Jersey’s ANCHOR property tax relief program, which could send as much as $1,750 into eligible residents’ bank accounts this month.
Not everyone qualifies, though. Here’s what you need to know about the program, who gets paid first, how much you could receive, and how to check your eligibility.
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Payments
Let’s start with the most exciting part—payment day. If you already applied for the 2024 ANCHOR rebate program, you might see your money drop as soon as December 15. This applies to the first group of recipients, including those who filed early and chose direct deposit.
If you’re approved, expect the money to arrive either via direct deposit or a paper check depending on your selected method. If you haven’t applied yet, you still have time—the deadline to apply is December 1, 2025, giving you a full year to get your paperwork in.
Program
The ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program is designed to give financial relief to residents who are being crushed under the weight of property taxes and rent. With the state’s sky-high housing costs, this program provides welcome support to both homeowners and renters.
This isn’t some small benefit either—qualified homeowners can receive up to $1,500, and renters can receive up to $700, depending on their age and income. It’s one of the more generous state tax relief programs in the country.
Eligibility
Not sure if you’re eligible? Here’s a simple breakdown. To qualify for a 2025 ANCHOR payment, you must meet all the following:
- You were a New Jersey resident on December 1, 2024
- Your 2024 gross income must be:
- $250,000 or less for homeowners
- $150,000 or less for renters
- You owned or rented your main residence on December 1, 2024
- If you’re a renter, your name must be on the lease and you must have paid rent during 2024
Also, the home you owned or rented must have been subject to property taxes. If you lived in tax-exempt housing or didn’t pay rent/property taxes, you likely won’t qualify.
Amounts
How much you’ll receive depends on your income and whether you own or rent your home. Here’s a quick look at the payment breakdown:
For Homeowners
| Income Range | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to $150,000 | $1,500 |
| $150,001 – $250,000 | $1,000 |
For Renters
| Income Range | Base Rebate | Senior Bonus | Total Possible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $150,000 | $450 | $250 (65+) | $700 |
If you’re 65 or older, you’ll receive an extra $250 on top of the base rebate—making your total rebate $1,750 if you’re a senior homeowner with an income under $150,000.
Deadlines
Here’s what you need to remember about timing:
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
- First Payments Issued: Starting December 15, 2025, for those who filed early
The sooner you apply, the sooner you can get paid—so don’t wait until next fall to take action.
Application
To apply for the ANCHOR rebate:
- Visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation website
- Use your ANCHOR ID and PIN (you can request them online if you don’t have them)
- File electronically or by phone
If you’re unsure whether you’ve filed or if your application was approved, you can use the same site to check your application status.
Statewide
While New Jersey’s ANCHOR program is one of the biggest, it’s not the only one. Several other states offer their own versions of property tax or rent relief. As housing affordability remains a challenge, especially for seniors and low-income families, more states may follow New Jersey’s lead in 2026 and beyond.
Reminder
Remember, ANCHOR isn’t a federal program. It’s a state-level rebate offered by New Jersey to help ease the pain of high property taxes. It doesn’t impact your federal taxes or income, and you don’t have to repay it. If you’re eligible, it’s essentially free money back in your pocket.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, check your 2024 income and housing status. Even if you only lived in New Jersey part of the year, it’s worth checking if you meet the criteria. And if you’re eligible but haven’t applied yet, now’s the time.
FAQs
When will ANCHOR payments be sent?
First payments start December 15, 2025, for early filers.
Who qualifies for $1,750?
Seniors 65+ with income under $150,000 and homeowner status.
What is the ANCHOR program?
A New Jersey property tax rebate for homeowners and renters.
What’s the deadline to apply?
You must apply by December 1, 2025.
Do renters get a rebate too?
Yes, up to $450, plus $250 extra for seniors.
