Short answer: New Jersey homeowners can apply for three property tax relief programs, Stay NJ, ANCHOR and Senior Freeze, with one combined application, Form PAS-1. Stay NJ is for homeowners 65 or older with income of $200,000 or less, and for 2025 it pays up to $6,500.
Stay NJ at a glance (tax year 2025)
| Income | Maximum Stay NJ benefit |
|---|---|
| Up to $100,000 | $6,500 |
| $100,001 to $150,000 | $5,000 |
| $150,001 to $200,000 | $4,000 |
To qualify for 2025, you must have been 65 or older, had income of $200,000 or less, and owned and lived in the home for all of 2025.
When payments arrive
Under the state’s fiscal 2027 budget, the remaining 2024 Stay NJ benefit is paid in two halves, in August and November 2026. Benefits for 2025 are scheduled for February and May 2027. Check the Division of Taxation’s Stay NJ page for your status and any updates.
ANCHOR and Senior Freeze
- ANCHOR is the state’s broader property tax relief benefit for eligible homeowners and renters.
- Senior Freeze reimburses eligible seniors and disabled residents for increases in their property taxes.
- The PAS-1 application covers all three, so you apply once.
Deadlines
The filing deadline for 2025 benefits was November 2, 2026. If you missed it, contact the Division of Taxation about your options, and mark your calendar for next year’s application.
How these programs affect buying and selling
- Selling: eligibility depends on owning and living in the home for the benefit year. If you sell mid-year, ask how it affects the next year’s benefit before you list.
- Buying: relief programs do not lower the tax bill a buyer sees. Read how NJ property taxes work in Morris County.
- Downsizing: moving can affect future eligibility, so plan the timing. See downsizing and 55+ communities in Morris County.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and can vary by town, so confirm details with your attorney, accountant or the agency named before you act.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for Stay NJ?
For 2025, homeowners 65 or older with income of $200,000 or less who owned and lived in their home all year.
How much is the Stay NJ benefit?
For tax year 2025, up to $6,500 for income up to $100,000, $5,000 up to $150,000 and $4,000 up to $200,000.
When will Stay NJ payments be made?
The rest of the 2024 benefit is paid in August and November 2026, and 2025 benefits are scheduled for February and May 2027.
Do I need separate applications for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze and Stay NJ?
No. One application, Form PAS-1, covers all three programs.
Sources
Talk to the MorrisAgent Team
Planning a move and want to protect your tax benefits? Call (973) 200-4800, email [email protected], or stop by our office at 518 Main Street, Suite 102, Boonton. No pressure, and no surprises.