How to Check New Jersey Homestead Benefit Status?

The New Jersey Homestead Benefit Program provides property tax relief to qualified homeowners and tenants. The credits/rebates are based on your household’s gross income and the amount of your local property taxes paid. Generally, your household’s total gross income cannot exceed certain limits. To qualify for a homestead credit/rebate, you must own and occupy your residence as of October 1, be at least 65 years of age, or have a disability as determined by federal Social Security Administration rules. Tenants can apply by filing Form TR-1040, the tenant homestead rebate application, contained in the resident income tax return booklet.

The State of New Jersey has instituted several rebate programs regarding property taxes, including a senior citizen deduction, disabled person deduction, and veterans’ exemption. To learn more about these programs, visit the State website. The State’s latest rebate program, known as ANCHOR, replaces the previous homestead benefit and extends eligibility for more households. It also reduces the size of the benefit by eliminating the 1% cap on property-tax increases and paying the benefits through check or direct deposit rather than as a credit on property tax bills.

There are two main ways to check the status of your New Jersey Homestead Benefit (now replaced by the ANCHOR program):

1. Online Inquiry System:
2. Visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s website: https://www1.state.nj.us/TYTR_Saver/jsp/common/HRInquiry.jsp
3. You’ll need your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and ZIP code to use this service.
4. The system will tell you if your application is:
   1. In processing
   1. Not yet processed
   1. When a benefit was issued (including if applied to your property tax bill for tax year 2018)
5. Phone:
6. Call the automated telephone filing system at 1-877-658-2972.

What is New Jersey’s ANCHOR Program?

The State’s ANCHOR property tax relief program began distributing payments to New Jersey residents this week. Homeowners and renters who applied for the program could get a check or direct deposit as soon as Tuesday. In addition, more than 1.3 million eligible residents have already been notified of their benefit status. Applicants can also monitor their application status through the online portal or by calling the official customer service.

The ANCHOR program replaces the old Homestead rebate and is designed to help homeowners and renters with their property taxes. The new program allows New Jersey residents to receive up to $1,750 in property tax relief, depending on age and income levels. Unlike the Homestead rebate, which was a credit on your property tax bill, ANCHOR benefits are paid by check or direct deposit.

To qualify for the ANCHOR program, you must own or rent your property and live there as your primary residence. You must have owned or occupied the property on October 1 and pay local property taxes. In addition, your income must not exceed certain limits.

Before applying for the ANCHOR rebate, it is important to understand the application process and ensure you have all necessary documentation. It is also crucial to update any required information promptly and with special consideration. Applicants can track their progress through the program’s online portal or by contacting the primary customer service channel. Those who file offline should make sure they follow the instructions carefully and provide all essential documents.