Huge Changes Affecting Senior Tax Relief and What You Need To Know
Opening question
What big changes are hitting NJ senior property tax relief in 2025, and how can you make sure you don’t miss out?
Snippet answer
As of 2025, New Jersey combines three major tax relief options into one PAS‑1 application—including the new Stay NJ program, Senior Freeze, and ANCHOR rebate—so you could qualify for up to $6,500 in savings, as long as you file by October 31, 2025, and meet the eligibility rules.
What’s Changed—and Why You Should Care
In 2025, New Jersey introduced a new combined application form—Form PAS‑1—that consolidates three key programs:
-
Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement)
-
ANCHOR Rebate
-
Stay NJ program (brand‑new in 2025)
If you’re age 65 or older—or receiving Social Security disability—you may now qualify for multiple programs using just one application. For those eligible, the Stay NJ benefit alone can offer up to $6,500 in tax credits. That’s a substantial boost to your bottom line.
Who Qualifies—and How It Works
To be eligible, you must:
-
Be age 65 or older, or receiving Social Security disability monthly.
-
Have lived in your NJ home since at least 2020.
-
Meet income thresholds:
-
Under $168,268 for Senior Freeze
-
Under $500,000 for Stay NJ
-
-
File Form PAS‑1 by October 31, 2025.
-
If you were a previous Senior Freeze recipient, you must reapply this year using the new form—don’t assume the benefit will roll over automatically.
Why the Timeline and Details Matter
This process can feel overwhelming, with income limits, new form changes, and different program rules under one roof. Filing late or missing a detail could mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table. That’s why staying organized and acting early is key.
How I Help Seniors Navigate the New PAS‑1 Form
I’m Scott Selleck, and for the past 32 years, I’ve been a Northern New Jersey real estate professional specializing in working with seniors. I am located in Bergen and Hudson Counties, and I hold the SRES® designation—Senior Real Estate Specialist. I understand how changes like this affect your tax liability and your long‑term plans.
Here’s how I support you:
-
Provide you with the website so you can go through the PAS‑1 application line by line
-
Help you find the right resources to gather the necessary documents, including income statements, proof of residency, and disability verification.
-
Refer you to the right person to clarify which programs you qualify for and estimate your total benefit
-
Double‑check deadlines and ensure your application reaches the right place on time
Think of me not just as a REALTOR®, but a local resource to guide you to the right people that can answer your questions.
FAQs Seniors Often Ask
-
How much can I actually get back?
Stay NJ alone offers up to $6,500; combined with ANCHOR and Senior Freeze, total benefits can vary depending on your property and income. -
Do I really need to reapply even if I did last year?
Yes—because the new PAS‑1 replaces older forms, previous approvals do not carry over automatically. -
What if my income has changed since 2020?
You’ll need to report updated household income on PAS‑1 and check whether you still meet eligibility thresholds.
Final Takeaway
New Jersey’s unified PAS‑1 application in 2025 brings major tax relief benefits—especially the brand-new Stay NJ program—but only if you meet the rules and file on time. For seniors or adults with disabilities, this could be one of the largest financial opportunities in a long while.
What You Should Do Now
-
Mark your calendar for the October 31, 2025, filing deadline.
-
Gather key documentation: proof of residency since 2020, income statements, and disability paperwork if needed.
-
Reach out for help to navigate the new PAS‑1 form and check your eligibility for all programs
If you're a senior homeowner in Northern New Jersey—or helping one—don’t navigate this alone. As your trusted local real estate advisor with 32 years of experience and an SRES® designation in Bergen and Hudson County, I’m here to point you in the right direction.
Contact me today, Scott Selleck with KW City Views Realty to schedule a call:
-
📲 Call or text at (201) 970‑3960
-
✉️ Email: [email protected]
-
🌐 Visit sellecksellsnj.com to get started
Let’s make sure you access every dollar of relief you’re entitled to.