21 Mar Can I apply for property tax relief if I didn’t finish my tax return?

Q. On the new property tax application: We went through the entire process of the new ID.me identity verification, then began completing the application which asks for both 2023 and 2024 financial info. We got “stuck” because we didn’t file for the 2024 year, so we had to abandon ship. I realized we have until October to file, and we might be just over the income limit; not sure yet. But am I missing something here that the ANCHOR info does not include the glaring fact that one needs to have already filed returns? I feel rather stupid even asking this. Have I missed something?
— Asking for directions

A. First, don’t feel stupid. This is a new process for everyone and lots of questions are coming up. If you’re asking, other residents are probably asking, too.

Taxpayers are not required to have filed their 2024 tax return to complete the application, the Treasury Department said. However, it advised, taxpayers should reference their NJ-1040 as a guide and incorporate both taxable and certain non-taxable income sources.

But what if you’re not sure of the numbers?

“The Division of Taxation will compare income information reported on the PAS-1 to an applicant’s Income Tax Return for eligibility verification,” a spokesman said.

You noted that there are still many months before the property tax application is due, so if you don’t want to wait, the state will figure out your benefit when you eventually file your 2024 tax return.

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This story was originally published in March 2025.

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