ANCHOR rebate checks will come automatically this year for more than 1.3 million residents

Applying for the ANCHOR property tax relief check that could be worth up to $1,500 will be a lot easier for more than 1.3 million New Jerseyans this fall.

The reason: Most N.J. residents won’t need to re-apply.

On Tuesday, the Department of the Treasury announced that more than 1.3 million taxpayers who received property tax relief benefits last year through ANCHOR program (formally known as the Affordable Communities for Homeowners and Renters) will soon receive a letter confirming their eligibility for this year’s program and notification that they will not need to re-file an application to receive a check or direct deposit in most circumstances.

Treasury’s Division of Taxation began mailing benefit confirmation letters Tuesday.

The letters include detailed information on how recipients will receive their benefit this year (via check or direct deposit, matching their choice from last year), as well as confirmation of their mailing address and bank information. If this information has not changed in the last year, recipients will not need to file an application to receive their benefit this year. Benefits will automatically be distributed by Nov. 1.

If recipients need to change their mailing address, bank account number, or other qualifying information outlined in the letter, applicants must update their information in the online ANCHOR portal by Sept. 30.

Additionally, the Division of Taxation will soon begin mailing applications to two million residences with the goal of reaching additional homeowners and renters who may also be eligible to apply for the program. Application mailers will be sent between Aug. 22-28. These applicants will have until Dec. 29 to file an application. Benefits will be distributed on a rolling basis within 90 days of filing.

This is the second year the state will distribute ANCHOR benefits. Last year, more than 1.7 million renters and homeowners applied for and received a payment ranging from $450 to $1,500 under the program covering the 2019 tax year.

“This will no doubt be welcome news for millions of residents across the Garden State,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “Not only will the benefit increase considerably for many seniors, but the process will be a whole lot easier for residents across the board. I want to thank Treasury and the Division of Taxation for working around the clock to simplify the road to a more affordable New Jersey.”

State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio agreed.

“The Division of Taxation has worked diligently to build off the success of last year’s ANCHOR program and ensure every eligible New Jersey resident receives this crucial property tax relief,” she said. “We’re pleased to be able to distribute benefits automatically to many ANCHOR eligible households this year, making the process far more simple and convenient for the majority of qualifying homeowners and renters.”