Who uses the PAS-1 form vs the ANC-1 form in New Jersey?

Seniors 65 or older and homeowners receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement disability benefits use the PAS-1 form. It covers ANCHOR, Stay NJ, and Senior Freeze in one application. Homeowners and renters under 65 who are not disabled use the ANC-1 form for ANCHOR only. Do not file both.

What is the NJ ANCHOR program and how much can I get?

ANCHOR stands for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters. It replaced the Homestead Benefit program. Homeowners with income up to $150,000 receive $1,500. Homeowners with income between $150,001 and $250,000 receive $1,000. Renters with income up to $150,000 receive $450. Renters 65 or older receive $700. Apply at anchor.nj.gov or call 1-888-238-1233.

What is the Stay NJ program and when do payments start?

Stay NJ provides a credit equal to 50% of your annual New Jersey property tax bill, up to a maximum of $6,500 per year. It is available to homeowners age 65 or older with household income up to $500,000. Payments began quarterly in 2026 — February, May, August, and November. Apply using the PAS-1 combined form at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov.

What is the NJ Senior Freeze and how does it work?

The NJ Senior Freeze, officially the Property Tax Reimbursement (PTR) program, reimburses eligible seniors and disabled homeowners for property tax increases above their base year amount. You must be 65 or older (or permanently disabled), have lived in New Jersey for 10 or more consecutive years, lived in your current home for 3 or more years, and meet the income limits of $172,475 for 2025. Apply using the PAS-1 form.

What is the deadline to file the 2025 NJ PAS-1 application?

The deadline to file the 2025 PAS-1 combined property tax relief application is November 2, 2026. File online at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov or mail to the NJ Division of Taxation. Professional filing assistance is available from John Scafide for a $20 flat fee — schedule at njpropertytaxrelief.com.

Can I receive ANCHOR, Stay NJ, and Senior Freeze at the same time?

Yes. New Jersey seniors who qualify may receive all three programs simultaneously by filing a single PAS-1 application. ANCHOR pays a lump sum benefit, Stay NJ pays quarterly credits equal to 50% of your tax bill (up to $6,500), and Senior Freeze reimburses the increase over your base year tax amount.

How do I appeal my New Jersey property tax assessment?

File an appeal with your County Board of Taxation by April 1 (or 45 days from your assessment notice). You will need comparable recent home sales as evidence. A licensed South Jersey real estate agent can provide a free MLS comparable sales report, which is typically the strongest evidence in a property tax appeal.

Does the New Jersey Senior Freeze actually freeze my property tax bill?

No — the Senior Freeze does not stop your bill from going up. You still receive and pay your full annual property tax bill. However, the State of New Jersey reimburses you for the amount above your established base year tax. For example, if your base year tax was $4,200 and your current bill is $5,800, you would receive a $1,600 reimbursement.

NJ Property Tax Relief Programs | New Jersey Resource Guide

All Programs

4 Ways to Reduce Your NJ Property Tax Burden

New Jersey offers multiple relief programs. Many residents qualify for more than one — but you have to apply.

ANCHOR Program

For homeowners and renters of all ages. Replaced the Homestead Benefit. No age requirement.

Up to $1,500

Homeowners · Renters

Stay NJ Program

50% reduction on your annual property tax bill. Payments began quarterly starting February 2026.

Up to $6,500

Age 65+ · Income ≤ $500K

Senior Freeze (PTR)

Locks your property taxes at a base year rate and reimburses any increase above that amount.

Freezes Your Rate

Age 65+ or Disabled · 10yr Resident

Veterans Property Tax Benefits

Annual deduction for all eligible veterans. 100% disabled veterans may receive a full exemption.

$250 – Full Exempt

Eligible NJ Veterans

ANCHOR Program

Affordable NJ Communities for Homeowners and Renters

ANCHOR replaced the old Homestead Benefit and dramatically expanded who qualifies and how much you receive.

Overview

Homeowners

Renters

How to Apply

What Is ANCHOR?

ANCHOR stands for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters. It replaced the Homestead Benefit in 2022 and significantly increased both benefit amounts and the number of eligible residents — including renters, who never qualified before.

Benefits are paid as a direct deposit or paper check. No specific spending requirement — it's your money.

Key Date: You must have occupied your NJ primary residence on October 1 of the benefit year. Seniors 65+ apply via the PAS-1 combined form instead.

Primary Residence RequiredMust be your principal NJ residence as of October 1
No Age RequirementUnlike some programs, ANCHOR has no minimum age
Income Limits ApplyHomeowners: up to $250,000 · Renters: up to $150,000
Taxes Not DelinquentProperty taxes cannot be more than 12 months past due

ANCHOR Benefit Amounts

Who	Income	Benefit
Homeowner	≤ $150,000	$1,500
Homeowner	$150,001–$250,000	$1,000
Renter	≤ $150,000	$450
Renter 65+	≤ $150,000	$700

*Confirm current year amounts at anchor.nj.gov

ANCHOR Hotline

1-888-238-1233

Mon–Fri 8:30am–5:30pm

Apply at anchor.nj.gov

Homeowner Requirements

Owned your home on Oct 1 of the benefit yearMust have held title on this specific date
Used it as your principal NJ residenceYour main home — not vacation or investment properties
Gross income under $250,000All sources combined
Property taxes current or on payment planMore than 12 months delinquent disqualifies you
Filed your NJ-1040 for the benefit yearOr applied for an extension

Also eligible: Co-op owners, condo owners paying maintenance that includes property taxes, and mobile home owners who pay property taxes directly.

Renter Requirements

Rented and occupied as your principal NJ residence on Oct 1Your main home on that specific date
Gross income under $150,000Lower limit than homeowners
Unit is subject to property taxesMost standard rentals qualify
You are actually paying rentRent-free arrangements do not qualify

Note: Section 8, low-income tax credit, and federally subsidized housing typically do not qualify for the renter ANCHOR benefit. Call 1-888-238-1233 to verify.

How to Apply for ANCHOR

1

Gather Documents

SSN, NJ block and lot number, gross income. Renters need landlord name and address.

2

Choose Your Method

Online at anchor.nj.gov, phone 1-888-238-1233, or paper ANC-1 form. Online is fastest.

3

Enter Bank Info

Direct deposit is faster than a paper check. Enter routing and account numbers when applying.

4

Wait for Payment

Most applicants receive payment within 90 days of completing a full application.

Seniors 65+: Do NOT use the ANC-1 form. File the PAS-1 combined application instead — it covers ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ in one form.

Eligibility Checker

ANCHOR Eligibility Calculator

Answer a few quick questions to estimate your benefit. About 90 seconds.

ANCHOR Benefit Estimator

Estimate only — actual eligibility is determined by the NJ Division of Taxation.

Do you own or rent your home?

Determines which benefit track applies.

Was this your primary NJ residence on October 1 of the benefit year?

Your main home — not a vacation home or investment property.

What was your approximate gross income for the benefit year?

All sources combined: wages, Social Security, retirement, investments.

Were you 65 or older during the benefit year?

Renters 65+ receive a higher benefit ($700 vs $450).

Are your property taxes current (or on a payment plan)?

More than 12 months delinquent may disqualify homeowners.

Almost done — where should we send your results?

We'll include local deadlines and next steps.

Your Name

Email Address

Phone (optional)

PAS-1 Filing Guide

How to Fill Out the 2025 PAS-1 Application

One form covers ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ for seniors 65+ and disabled homeowners. Deadline: November 2, 2026.

The PAS-1 Blue Book

Look for a blue booklet in your mail in early 2026. If you don't receive one, download it at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov or call 1-888-238-1233.

ANCHOR Confirmation Letter

Non-senior homeowners (under 65) may be auto-filed and receive an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter in August 2026. Seniors must still file the PAS-1 on their own.

PAS-1 Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Click any step to expand it. 2025 Application · Deadline November 2, 2026 · File at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov or by mail

1

Personal Information

Name, SSN, address, block and lot number

Fill in your full legal name, Social Security Number, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your NJ tax return. If married or filing jointly, include your spouse or civil union partner's name and SSN as well.

Enter your property address and your mailing address if different — for example, if you're in a care facility. Enter your municipality's block and lot number from your property tax bill.

Tip: Your block and lot is printed on every property tax bill you receive. It's not your address — it's a number like "Block 42, Lot 7." If you can't find it, call your town tax office.

2

Line 1 — Filing Status

Choose single, married, head of household, etc.

Fill in the oval matching how you filed your NJ-1040 for 2025. Choose only one:

Single Married/CU, Filing Jointly Married/CU, Filing Separately Head of Household Qualifying Widow(er)/Surviving CU Partner

Note: If married filing separately with separate residences all year, each spouse may file their own PAS-1 for their own home.

3

Line 2 — Year of Birth

Must be 65+ by Dec 31, 2025 or receiving disability benefits

Enter your four-digit birth year. You must be age 65 or older by December 31, 2025, OR be receiving federal Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement disability benefits to use the PAS-1.

Under 65? Use the ANC-1 form at anchor.nj.gov instead. The PAS-1 is specifically for seniors and disabled residents.

4

Lines 3a and 3b — Disability Status

Only required if you are under 65

Line 3a: Were you receiving federal Social Security disability benefits on December 31, 2025? Fill Yes or No.

Line 3b: Were you receiving Railroad Retirement disability benefits? Fill Yes or No.

If you are 65 or older, you may skip Lines 3a and 3b — age alone qualifies you for this form.

5

Line 4 — Principal Residence

The single most important question on the form

Did you own (or have a life estate in) and occupy this property as your principal NJ residence on October 1, 2025? Fill Yes or No.

If Yes → continue to the property tax section. If No → you are not eligible for property tax relief on this form.

Life estates qualify Trust-owned may qualify Mobile home owners qualify

Tip: "Principal residence" means where you actually live most of the year. Splitting time between NJ and Florida? Your NJ home is still likely your principal residence.

6

Line 14 — Your 2025 Property Tax Amount

Total taxes billed for the year — may be preprinted for returning filers

Enter your total property taxes billed for 2025. Find this on your quarterly property tax bills — add all four quarters for the annual total.

If you are a returning Senior Freeze filer, your base year amount may already be preprinted on Line 14. Do not change it.

Mobile home owners: Multiply your site fee by 18% to calculate your eligible property tax equivalent for this line.

7

Line 15 — Your 2024 Property Tax Amount

Prior year taxes, used to calculate your Senior Freeze reimbursement

Enter the total property taxes billed for 2024 (prior year). The Senior Freeze program uses the difference between your base year and current taxes to calculate how much to reimburse you.

8

Line 16 — P.I.L.O.T. Agreement

Most homeowners answer No — skip if not applicable

Line 16a: Did you have a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement during 2025? Most regular homeowners answer No. PILOT agreements apply to certain redevelopment or tax abatement zones.

If Yes, complete Line 16b with your total PILOT payment for the year.

9

Worksheet A — Income Calculation

The most critical section — determines eligibility for all three programs

This calculates your total income for eligibility purposes. It differs from your federal return — NJ uses its own income definition.

Line a: NJ gross income from Line 27 of your 2025 NJ-1040.

Line b: Add back any tax-exempt interest income not included in NJ income.

Line c: Qualified disability income adjustments (if applicable).

Line d: Any other required adjustments per the instructions.

Add all lines for your combined total income — this determines which programs and benefit tiers you qualify for.

Income limits: ANCHOR homeowners ≤ $250,000 · ANCHOR renters ≤ $150,000 · Senior Freeze ≤ $172,475 (2025) · Stay NJ ≤ $500,000

10

Sign, Date and Submit

Online at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov or mail to Trenton

Sign and date the application. Both spouses or civil union partners must sign if filing jointly. No proof of taxes paid is needed — that requirement was removed.

Homeowners → PO Box 635, Trenton NJ 08646-0635 Renters → PO Box 636, Trenton NJ 08646-0636

Online filing at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov requires identity verification through ID.me — have your driver's license or passport ready.

Need Help Filling It Out? $20 Flat Fee.

John Scafide is a licensed NJ real estate agent and 15+ year tax professional based in South Jersey. He'll walk you through your PAS-1 line by line and make sure it's done right.

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Book My PAS-1 Help Ask a Free Question

Senior Programs

Programs for Seniors 65+

New Jersey's most powerful property tax relief is reserved for seniors — and many qualify for all three programs via a single PAS-1 form.

Stay NJ — 50% Off Your Property Tax Bill

The Stay NJ Act provides a credit equal to 50% of your annual property tax, capped at $6,500. Paying quarterly starting February 2026. Apply via the PAS-1.

Your Annual Property Tax Bill ($)

Household Income ($)

Stay NJ Program

Signed 2023 · Payments began February 2026

Age Requirement65 or older

Surviving SpouseAge 55+ qualifies

Income LimitUp to $500,000

Benefit50% of tax bill

Maximum$6,500 per year

Payment ScheduleQuarterly (Feb/May/Aug/Nov)

How to ApplyPAS-1 combined form

NJ Official Stay NJ Info

Senior Freeze (PTR)

Property Tax Reimbursement Program

Age Requirement65+ or permanently disabled

NJ Residency10+ consecutive years

Home Residency3+ years in current home

Income Limit (2024)≤ $168,268

Income Limit (2025)≤ $172,475

How It WorksReimburses increase over base year

How to ApplyPAS-1 combined form

NJ Official PTR Info

Can I get all three? Yes — ANCHOR, Stay NJ, and Senior Freeze can all be applied for via a single PAS-1. The NJ Division of Taxation calculates which programs and amounts you qualify for based on the information you submit.

Veterans Programs

Veterans Property Tax Benefits

Two separate benefits for NJ veterans. Apply through your local municipal tax assessor's office.

$250 Annual Veterans Deduction

$250 reduction on annual tax billApplied when you file at your local tax office
Honorably discharged veteransDD-214 discharge papers required
Surviving spouses also qualifyMust not have remarried

100% Disabled Veteran — Full Exemption

Complete property tax exemption ($0)Applies to your principal NJ residence
VA rating of 100% service-connected disabilityTotal and permanent determination required
Apply at your county assessor's officeBring VA disability letter, deed, and DD-214

Property Tax Appeals

Think Your Assessment Is Too High?

You have the legal right to appeal your assessment every year. A successful appeal lowers your taxes going forward permanently.

NJ Appeal Deadline: Most counties require filing by April 1 (or 45 days from the mailing of your assessment notice). Verify with your County Board of Taxation.

1

Get Your Assessment Notice

Mailed by your town in January or February. Shows your assessed value — not your actual market value.

2

Find Your Equalization Ratio

Divide your assessed value by the town's ratio to get implied market value. Compare to what you think your home is worth.

3

Gather Comparable Sales

Recent nearby sales (comps) are the strongest evidence. A local real estate agent can pull these free from the MLS.

4

File with County Tax Board

File with the County Board of Taxation — most accept online submissions. Small filing fee for higher-value properties.

5

Attend Your Hearing

Present your evidence. A successful appeal reduces your assessed value and lowers your bill going forward.

Free Resource: A South Jersey real estate agent can provide MLS comparable sales at no cost — often the strongest evidence in an appeal. Request a free comp report →

Homebuyer Tools

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your monthly payment, total interest, and cost of ownership for any South Jersey home.

Home Price

Down Payment (%)

Interest Rate (%)

Loan Term

Estimates principal and interest only. Taxes, insurance, and HOA are separate. Ask a local agent for a full cost breakdown.

Enter your home price and loan details to see your estimated payment.

Seller Tools

What's My South Jersey Home Worth?

Get an instant estimate powered by real MLS data. Useful for tax appeals, estate planning, or if you're considering selling.

Want a more detailed analysis with real comparable sales? Request a free CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) from our team →

Home Search

Search South Jersey Homes for Sale

Browse current listings in Camden County, Gloucester County, and surrounding South Jersey communities.

From Our TikTok

Watch and Learn — NJ Tax Tips

Short, clear videos breaking down NJ property tax programs, deadlines, and strategies. No jargon. Just the facts.

Follow @thetaxwatchdog on TikTok

@thetaxwatchdog
Stay NJ is paid in equal, quarterly payments and new for 2026. First quarter payments for the 2024 applications begin Feb 9, 2026.
♬ original sound - John | Wealth & Tax Strategies

@thetaxwatchdog
NEW in 2026: NJ Senior Property Tax relief checks coming out this February 1st 2026! All the details in the video.
♬ original sound - John | Wealth & Tax Strategies

@thetaxwatchdog
Seniors 65+, get all the information on the NEW standard deductions that you may qualify for in 2025-2028.
♬ original sound - John | Wealth & Tax Strategies

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common property tax relief questions from South Jersey residents.

Who uses the PAS-1 vs the ANC-1 form?

If you are 65 or older or receiving Social Security Disability, use the PAS-1 — it covers ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ in one form. Under 65 and not disabled? Use the ANC-1 for ANCHOR only. Do not file both.

Can I get ANCHOR, Stay NJ, and Senior Freeze all at once?

Yes. File one PAS-1 and the Division of Taxation calculates all programs you qualify for. ANCHOR pays a lump sum, Stay NJ pays quarterly, and Senior Freeze reimburses your tax increase.

I never applied for Homestead Benefit. Can I still get ANCHOR?

Yes. ANCHOR replaced Homestead but they are separate programs. No prior Homestead history is required. If you meet the income and residency requirements, you can apply for ANCHOR.

Does the Senior Freeze actually freeze my tax bill?

Not exactly. You still receive and pay your full tax bill each year. The State reimburses the difference above your "base year" amount. Example: base year $4,200 · current bill $5,800 → you receive $1,600 back.

How is ANCHOR paid — check or credit on my tax bill?

ANCHOR is paid as a direct deposit or mailed check — not a credit on your tax bill. Real money sent to you. Direct deposit is faster. Enter your bank info when you apply. Payments typically begin in September.

I sold my home — can I still get ANCHOR for that year?

Yes, if you owned and occupied the home as your primary NJ residence on October 1 of the benefit year, you may still qualify — even if you sold after that date. The October 1 date controls, not the sale date.

Do I need to provide proof of property taxes with the PAS-1?

No. As of the new combined PAS-1, proof of property taxes paid is no longer required. The old PTR verification forms (PTR-1A, PTR-2A, etc.) have been eliminated. Just enter the amounts from your bills on the form.

Can a real estate agent help with a property tax appeal?

Yes — and it's one of the most underused tools in NJ. A licensed agent can pull MLS comparable sales (comps) for free, which is the same data the County Tax Board reviews. Strong comps make a strong appeal. Request a free comp report →

New Jersey Property Tax Relief Programs

4 Ways to Reduce Your NJ Property Tax Burden

Affordable NJ Communities for Homeowners and Renters

What Is ANCHOR?

ANCHOR Benefit Amounts

ANCHOR Hotline

Homeowner Requirements

Renter Requirements

How to Apply for ANCHOR

Gather Documents

Choose Your Method

Enter Bank Info

Wait for Payment

ANCHOR Eligibility Calculator

ANCHOR Benefit Estimator

How to Fill Out the 2025 PAS-1 Application

The PAS-1 Blue Book

ANCHOR Confirmation Letter

PAS-1 Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Need Help Filling It Out? $20 Flat Fee.

Programs for Seniors 65+

Stay NJ — 50% Off Your Property Tax Bill

Stay NJ Program

Senior Freeze (PTR)

Veterans Property Tax Benefits

$250 Annual Veterans Deduction

100% Disabled Veteran — Full Exemption

Think Your Assessment Is Too High?

Get Your Assessment Notice

Find Your Equalization Ratio

Gather Comparable Sales

File with County Tax Board

Attend Your Hearing

Mortgage Calculator

What's My South Jersey Home Worth?

Instant Home Value Estimator

Search South Jersey Homes for Sale

South Jersey MLS Home Search

Watch and Learn — NJ Tax Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Talk to a South Jersey Real Estate & Tax Expert

Get Your Free Consultation

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