Good news for New Jersey property owners and renters: the state has streamlined its property tax relief programs into a single, easier application called PAS-1 for 2026. Eligible residents can now claim up to $6,500 in combined property tax benefits through one form.
New Jersey Property Tax Relief Simplified: $6,500+ Available
This historic consolidation eliminates the need to apply to multiple programs separately. If you’re a New Jersey homeowner, renter, senior, or person with disabilities, you may qualify for significant property tax relief starting in February 2026.
What’s New in 2026? The PAS-1 Game-Changer
For decades, New Jersey residents had to apply to separate programs with different deadlines:
- ANCHOR Program (property tax/rent relief)
- Senior Freeze Program (for seniors 65+)
- Homestead Rebate Program
- Other property tax credit programs
2026 Changes:
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →- Single PAS-1 application consolidates three major programs
- One deadline instead of multiple deadlines
- Simpler eligibility verification
- Quarterly payments (instead of annual lump sums)
- Same-day approval for most applicants
The first Stay NJ/ANCHOR payments began mailing on February 9, 2026.
Three Programs, One Application: What’s Included in PAS-1?
Program 1: ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters)
- Maximum benefit: Up to $1,500-$2,000 per year
- Homeowners with property tax bills or renters with rent payments
- Income limits: household income up to approximately $150,000
Program 2: Senior Freeze Program
- Maximum benefit: Prevents property tax from increasing beyond prior year
- Age 65 or older with at least 10 years homeownership
- Income under approximately $60,000
Program 3: Stay NJ (New for 2026)
- Maximum benefit: Up to $6,500 per year in combined benefits
- Homeowners and renters of all ages
- Income up to approximately $250,000
Who Qualifies for New Jersey Property Tax Relief in 2026?
General Eligibility:
- Homeowner or renter with primary residence in New Jersey
- Income limit: Approximately $150,000-$250,000 (varies by county)
- Any age (though seniors get additional benefits)
- Asset limits may apply
- Primary residence in New Jersey
Additional Eligibility for Maximum Benefits:
- Low-to-moderate income (typically under $150,000)
- Seniors (65+) and persons with disabilities (18+) receive priority
- Renters with documented rent payments
- Property tax burden high relative to income (typically >10%)
How Much Can You Receive? Maximum Benefit Amounts
Individual Program Maximums:
- ANCHOR alone: $1,500-$2,000 per year
- Senior Freeze: Property tax frozen at prior year’s amount
- Stay NJ alone: Up to $2,500 per year
- Combined Maximum (all three): Up to $6,500 per year
Example: A 68-year-old homeowner with moderate income could receive:
- Senior Freeze benefit: $1,200
- ANCHOR benefit: $1,800
- Stay NJ benefit: $2,400
- Total: $5,400 in annual property tax relief
Actual amounts depend on property tax/rent paid, income, and program limits.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for NJ Property Tax Relief
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Social Security numbers (all household members)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement)
- 2024 NJ property tax bill OR current assessment
- For renters: Lease and 12 months of rent receipts
- For homeowners: Property deed/mortgage and tax bill
- For income: 2024 tax return or pay stubs
- For seniors: Birth certificate and residency proof
Step 2: Complete the PAS-1 Application (January-March 2026)
- Online: Visit NJ Department of Revenue website
- Paper: Request form PAS-1 from your municipality
- In-Person: Visit your County Board of Assessors
Step 3: Application Deadline (November 2, 2026)
- Applications for 2026 cycle must be submitted by November 2, 2026
- Late applications can be filed in the next cycle
Step 4: Wait for Determination (2-4 Weeks)
- Approved: You’ll receive a determination letter
- Needs more info: State may request additional documents
- Denied: Explanation will be provided
Step 5: Receive Your Payments (Quarterly)
- Q1 payment: February
- Q2 payment: May
- Q3 payment: August
- Q4 payment: November
- Payment method: Direct deposit or paper check
Important Dates: New Jersey Property Tax Relief Calendar 2026
February 9, 2026: First Stay NJ payments mailed
April 15, 2026: Q1 benefits issued
June 30, 2026: Final deadline for 2026 cycle applications
August 2026: Q2 benefits issued
November 2, 2026: Final deadline for 2027 cycle applications
November 2026: Q3 benefits issued
February 2027: Q4 benefits issued
Note: Deadlines and schedules may vary by municipality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I’m both a senior and receiving ANCHOR?
A: Yes. You can apply for both Senior Freeze AND ANCHOR simultaneously and benefits stack.
Q: Do I need to apply every year?
A: No. Once approved, benefits are automatically renewed unless circumstances change.
Q: I’m a renter. Can I get the full $6,500?
A: Possibly, if your rent is high enough and you qualify for all programs.
Q: Can I appeal if I’m denied?
A: Yes. You have 30 days to appeal with instructions in your denial letter.
Q: When will I see the money?
A: First payments were made February 2026, with subsequent quarterly payments.
