Stay NJ Task Force Recommends Changes to New Jersey’s Property Tax Relief Programs
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May 31, 2024
Recommendations Include One Streamlined Application for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ
The Stay NJ Task Force has released its report providing recommendations for the State to implement the new Stay NJ program while simplifying and aligning its property tax relief programs — Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze — with the goal to make the application process more accessible for New Jersey taxpayers.
The report recommends for the State to create one streamlined application that would be used to determine a taxpayer’s eligibility for all three programs simultaneously. Each program currently has its own application, though some taxpayers may be eligible for multiple programs.
The Task Force recommends for the new streamlined application to be available no later than Feb.1, 2025. This expedited timeline would ensure the application is ready in time for the start of what would be the next Senior Freeze application season. This recommendation also led the Task Force to recommend that legislation is enacted at least 90 days before the application becomes available.
The recommendations also include ensuring the calendar year for benefit determination for all programs will be based on the year immediately preceding the application year — with the exception of the Senior Freeze Program for first time applicants — addressing a common source of confusion for some taxpayers, as well as aligning the way income is calculated across all three programs.
The report was approved unanimously by the six members of the Task Force, which met seven times since December 2023.
The goal of the initial Stay NJ law is to deliver a streamlined annual property tax benefit that shall amount to 50% of the property tax bill on a principal residence for senior homeowners with an annual gross income under $500,000. The Task Force was charged with reviewing all of the existing property tax relief programs and presenting a report to the Governor and the Legislature with recommendations on how to achieve that goal.
The report was issued to Governor Murphy and Legislature, and is available for the public to view online. For more information on the task force’s work, visit the Stay NJ website.
The information in this guide has been gathered from many sources, including the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, state agencies, professional organizations and members of the NJCPA. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the majority of state agencies to offer more online and prerecorded services. Though offices have reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown, it’s best to check online or call before you visit.
Material contained within this guide should be augmented by, and used in accordance with, a certified public accountant's professional judgment. Your CPA can properly apply the tax laws and regulations to the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. For help with locating a CPA, visit findacpa.org.
The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants is not responsible for any claims arising as a result of this information or its usage.
This guide was updated in October 2023. Future users of this material are cautioned that some portions, particularly tax-related information, may become outdated.