A representative from the state’s Division of Taxation talked with seniors about New Jersey’s new tax relief programs on March 17.
Deptford council and the New Jersey Division of Taxation sponsored a presentation at the township senior center earlier this month to explain the state’s Senior Freeze and ANCHOR programs.
ANCHOR is short for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters. The Senior Freeze is a property-tax reimbursement for senior citizens 65 and over, while ANCHOR provides property tax relief for state residents who own or rent property. Seniors who meet certain criteria can now fill out an application for both programs through a new PAS-1 application.
Two representatives from the Division of Taxation discussed the programs in detail with about 100 individuals at the senior center meeting on March 17, according to Mayor Paul Medany, with a Q-and-A following.
“We wanted to make it clear for everyone because there were changes to the programs,” he explained. “The state was doing these sessions in other towns, answering questions, and we wanted to do the same.”
Medany and other members of council were on hand for the senior session, along with the Deptford tax collector and municipal clerk.
“I talked to a couple of the participants who actually went to this program, and it was well done,” said Councilman Wayne Love. “It was very educational for the folks that were there.”
From now until April 15, residents who previously participated in the ANCHOR and Senior Freeze programs will receive a blue book in the mail with an application for the PAS-1 form and instructions for submitting it. Those who have already filed an application need not do so again.
The deadline is Friday, Oct. 31 to submit applications either through the mail or online at the state website, nj.gov.
“While there’s plenty of time until the deadline,” said Medany, ” we don’t want residents to fill it out at the last minute. We want them to get it done while the information is still fresh in their head.”
Payments will be made to participants based on the programs for which they qualify. Senior Freeze payments will start in July and ANCHOR payments in September. Stay NJ – a program that also offers property tax benefits to eligible homeowners 65 and older – will begin next February.
Deptford plans to hold an additional meeting on the programs this month; an exact date has yet to be determined.
