Taxpayers have until Feb. 28 to file

The state has extended the application deadline and is expanding eligibility for the new ANCHOR property tax relief program. The state extended the filing deadline to Feb. 28, from Dec. 30.

To apply, visit the Division of Taxation’s website at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor/. The state also has an ANCHOR hotline at 888-238-1233.

“For Belleville residents, some of whom live on a fixed income, affordability remains a top concern,” Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said. “Extending the deadline gives residents a greater ability to take advantage of a program that will help make their lives just a little more affordable.”

The ANCHOR program will provide up to $1,500 to homeowners with 2019 gross incomes up to $150,000, and up to $1,000 for those with gross incomes of between $150,000 and $250,000 in that year. ANCHOR is also an important program for tenants, who can receive $450 if their gross income was $150,000 or less in 2019.

The ANCHOR program expands on and replaces the Homestead Rebate Program. To be eligible for this year’s benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on Oct. 1, 2019, and file or be exempt from New Jersey income taxes.

Community Care Kitchen offers support to residents

The Community Care Kitchen has reopened by serving hot, takeout meals twice per month at Vincent United Methodist Church, 100 Vincent Place in Nutley, on the third and last Saturday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Prepared and shared currently by people from Vincent Church and Grace Episcopal Church, the meal might be chicken, beef or pasta with sides and vegetables. Everyone is welcome to come by the Community Care Kitchen and pick up a meal to-go, including families and seniors. In these tough times, there is a growing need and the churches are partnering with others in the community to make a difference. Anyone who would like to make a contribution can visit vincentumc.org/ for more information.

The average New Jersey property tax bill was approximately $9,300 in 2021. ANCHOR rebates could offset more than 16 percent of the average property tax bill in New Jersey for some homeowners. For a middle-class family receiving $1,500 in direct relief, the average bill will effectively become $7,800, a property tax level New Jersey has not seen since 2012.

To receive payment — expected to arrive in late spring — eligible residents need to apply by the state’s Feb. 28 deadline. Payments will be issued in the form of check or direct deposit. The money is not subject to federal or state income tax.

Eligible homeowners can apply online, by phone or via paper application, which can be downloaded online and returned by mail. Tenants can apply online or download the application from the state Division on Taxation website and return it via mail.