Property taxes in New Jersey are among the highest in the nation. The state has three programs that aim to give some relief. All have income limits and are subject to change by the state’s budget.
The Senior Freeze (also known as Property Tax Reimbursement) reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for increases to their property taxes or mobile home park site fees on their principal residence. This is available only to homeowners, not renters.
The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program offers relief to residents who own or rent their principal residence. The ANCHOR benefits do not have age limitations.
The newest program is Stay NJ, which offers benefits to eligible senior citizens who are homeowners, but not mobile homeowners. The Stay NJ benefit reimburses 50% of property tax bills, up to a maximum benefit of $6,500, and the amount is calculated after ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits are determined. The income limits for Stay NJ are higher than for the other two programs.
Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security disability benefit payments who may qualify for one or more of these programs use a single combined application (Form PAS-1) for all three programs. The state will determine eligibility and send a letter about the specific benefits for which the applicant qualifies. The filing deadline is October 31, 2025. Applications can be filed on paper or online. The online application requires identity verification through ID.me. Those who are under age 65 and not receiving disability benefits should not use PAS-1 but should wait until the summer of 2025 when the ANCHOR program application becomes available.
With property taxes remaining a major concern for many New Jersey residents, especially seniors and those on fixed incomes, it’s important to understand the relief options available. Whether you’re eligible for the Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, or the new Stay NJ program, taking the time to apply could result in meaningful savings. Be sure to review your eligibility, gather the necessary documents, and submit your PAS-1 application by the October 31, 2025 deadline if you qualify. These programs are designed to ease the financial burden of property taxes, so don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of the support you deserve.
Associate Partner
Julie has over 20 years of experience in public and private accounting, representing varied clientele including the medical, legal, and real estate industries and trusts.
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