By: Richard L. Smith
As the third season of New Jersey’s ANCHOR program launches next week, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham is urging residents to take full advantage of the state’s largest property tax relief initiative, which could benefit up to two million additional homeowners this year.
“While 1.5 million New Jersey residents will receive automatic ANCHOR payments, many more—including property owners right here in Belleville—are potentially eligible,” Mayor Melham noted.
“Taxpayers in New Jersey could see rebates as high as $1,750.”
Starting Monday, August 19, the state Treasury Department will begin sending out notification letters to 1.5 million residents informing them that their ANCHOR applications will be automatically filed.
For those who do not receive a letter, application packets will follow in the mail beginning August 26.
One notable change to this year’s process is that individuals who have had a change of address or other personal information must file a new application by September 15 to ensure their eligibility.
Even for those who do not receive any mailing, the ANCHOR benefits remain within reach—residents can simply visit the state’s website at anchor.nj.gov to apply.
In a move designed to streamline the process, the New Jersey Division of Taxation has introduced online portals allowing applicants to securely upload their documents.
Paper submissions, however, remain an option for those who prefer it.
The deadline for submitting new applications is November 30.
For further details, the state has provided an array of resources. Information is available at anchor.nj.gov, while those seeking assistance can call the ANCHOR hotline at (609) 826-4282 or 1-888-238-1233.
In-person help is also available at regional information centers across the state.