NJ's $2B Tax-Rebate Deadline Is Soon: How To Know If Your ANCHOR Application Process

NEW JERSEY — You may have already filed for New Jersey's new property-tax rebate, or you may be pushing the deadline for your application. But either way, taxpayers may want to know the status of their ANCHOR benefit.

The deadline to file for the ANCHOR rebate (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) is soon — Feb. 28. Eligible homeowners and renters may apply online, while homeowners can also file by phone (1-877-658-2972) or via paper application.

Roughly $2 billion is available for 2 million state residents. Here's what to know to ensure you get your cut.

Am I eligible for the rebate?

The following can apply:

• homeowners with a household income of less than $150,000 can get a $1,500 rebate.
• homeowners with a household income between $150,000 and $250,000 can receive $1,000.
• renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450 each.

This year, taxpayers must file with their primary home address from Oct. 1, 2019. Find more detailed eligibility info here.

When is the filing deadline?

Feb. 28.

I filed for the rebate. How do I know my status?

If you filed online or by phone, that information should become available within two weeks of the application date. Paper applications can take up to 12 weeks to process.

The New Jersey Division of Taxation has a webpage for making inquiries on the status of your rebate. Enter your Valid Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Then the inquiry system can tell you whether the state has a record of your application, whether it's processing and soon, the date when the state sent out your rebate.

How and when will I receive my rebate?

The state will pay ANCHOR benefits via check or direct deposit — you can select the payment method on your application.

All payments will go out beginning in late spring and no later than May, according to state officials. Payments won't go out in the order applications are received, so applying late in the filing season doesn't necessarily mean you'll have to wait longer for your rebate.

Can I update or correct my payment method?

If you made an error while entering your direct deposit information or prefer to receive your payment through paper check, state officials may be able to help.

Complete the ANCHOR Program Direct Deposit Correction form and either check the "Request a Paper Check" box or provide the corrected banking information. You must include a copy of your government-issued ID to complete the request.

Beginning April 1, the state will only be able to cancel direct deposit requests and issue paper checks.

I have more questions. How can I find out more?

The Division of Taxation has FAQ webpages for both homeowners and tenants. State treasury officials recommend checking the FAQs before anything.

But if you still have questions, the ANCHOR call center extended its hours through Feb. 28: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. The hotline has had issues with call volume during periods of the filing process. But late last month, the state expanded the call center's hours and began training additional staff to try and alleviate those re-emerging issues.

• Read more: Trouble With NJ's Tax-Rebate Hotline Prompts Action

Keep in mind that contacting the ANCHOR call center is different from filing by phone.