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Message From Town Leaders
Message from Councilman Roc White – August 21, 2026

Message from Councilman Roc White – August 21, 2026

I want to share an important reminder about New Jersey’s ANCHOR property tax relief program, as the state began sending out benefit continuation letters to eligible residents on Aug. 10.

ANCHOR, the acronym for “Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters,” provides property tax relief to eligible New Jersey homeowners and renters. Eligibility for the 2025 benefit year is based in part on where you owned or rented and occupied your principal residence on October 1 of last year.

Most eligible homeowners under age 65 who are not receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits, as well as most eligible renters, will have their ANCHOR applications filed automatically by the state on September 15. 

If you receive a confirmation letter and the information is correct, you generally do not need to take action. If you received your prior benefit by direct deposit, the state will use the same banking information for the 2025 benefit. 

Please keep these deadlines in mind:

  • If you receive a confirmation letter and need to change your banking information or request a paper check, you must file your own application by September 15, through the State’s Property Tax Relief application system. 

  • If you do not receive the confirmation letter or need to apply for a qualifying property that you owned or rented on October 1, 2025, you may file an application through the Property Tax Relief application system. The deadline is November 2. 

  • Homeowners age 65 or older, and homeowners receiving Social Security Disability or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits, must file the combined PAS-1 Application for Property Tax Relief by November 2. The state will not automatically file PAS-1 applications for these homeowners, including those who filed last year.

The PAS-1 application determines eligibility for ANCHOR as well as the Senior Freeze and Stay NJ property-tax-relief programs. Eligibility differs by program, and not every applicant will qualify for all three.

For the 2025 ANCHOR benefit year, eligible homeowners with New Jersey gross income of $150,000 or less may receive $1,500. Eligible homeowners with income between $150,001 and $250,000 may receive $1,000. Eligible renters with income of $150,000 or less may receive $450. Applicants who were age 65 or older by December 31, 2025 may receive an additional $250.

ANCHOR payments will begin on September 15 and will be issued on a rolling basis. Most applicants should receive payment within 90 days unless the Division of Taxation needs additional information. 

My main message to Scotch Plains residents is simple: take a few minutes to make sure you know what, if anything, you need to do. Missing a deadline could mean missing out on property tax relief for which you may be eligible.

For additional details, visit the State’s ANCHOR program website or call the Property Tax Relief Hotline at 1-888-238-1233. Please consider sharing this information with a neighbor, friend, or family member who may benefit.

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