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New $6,500 rebates are up for grabs as US state adds THIRD ‘relief’ program – but deadline is rapidly approaching

AMERICANS living in a key US state can get their hands on new rebates worth up to $6,500 as a third program aimed at providing financial relief to residents is rolled out.

Those who qualify for the free cash should act quickly, as the deadline to apply for the property tax program is right around the corner.

Woman holding an envelope with cash.
Eligible Americans can get their hands on rebates worth up to $6,500
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T43A0Y House Models On Stacked Coins Showing Property Tax Concept On White Desk
Alamy

The free money is from a new property tax relief program[/caption]

Property taxes have generally been on the rise in recent years, forcing Americans to shell out more cash to help fund services within their community, such as schools, roads, public safety, libraries, parks, and more.

A number of factors have contributed to the spike in property taxes, including the significant appreciation that the real estate market has seen recently as well as the increasing needs of local governments as inflation climbs.

Several states have rolled out property tax relief programs to lend a helping hand to homeowners through no-strings-attached payments.

For example, in Delaware, a newly passed fairness law will provide relief to homeowners with soaring tax bills following a statewide property reassessment.

In New York, a state-run school tax relief program, called STAR, is handing out payments up to $1,500 this summer and fall to help homeowners pay their school property taxes.

Floridians may see $1,000 rebates this winter, and residents in Montana have until October 1 to claim a $400 rebate.

New Jersey homeowners can now get their hands on rebates worth up to $6,500 as The Garden State launches its third property tax program.

Stay NJ, joining the program lineup alongside Senior Freeze and ANCHOR, was created to help homeowners 65 or older with their property taxes.

The program was created in an effort to encourage these older residents to remain in the state.

Over 40% of New Jersey residents 50 or older have thought about leaving the state, with 83% citing the lower state taxes and cost of living elsewhere as key factors, per a recent AARP report.


DO YOU QUALIFY?

In order to be eligible for a payment from the Stay NJ program, New Jerseyans must meet certain requirements.

Their eligibility for the benefit is based on their residency, income, and age as of 2024.

For example, residents must have owned and lived in their home for the full 12 months of 2024.

New Jersey residents are also required to have an income less than $500,000 to qualify for the tax relief.

Tips on spotting property scams

These five tips on avoiding real estate scams have been shared by The Bellamy Law Firm.

Fake Owners:

  • This is where properties are listed for sale by scammers who do not own them.
  • They may ask for a deposit to “hold” the property until you can view it to lure in prospective buyers.
  • Be wary of people who ask for money upfront and before signing any documents ensure you ask to see the tax records and deeds.

Fake Real Estate Professionals:

  • Scammers pretending to be real estate agents.
  • Prospective buyers can check the Board of Realtors website for the individual and their real estate license to confirm their story.

Cash Offers:

  • Warning phrases for this are: “We pay cash for homes” and “We buy ugly houses.”
  • This often sees people sell their homes for much less than the going market value and those who are hard-up are often victims.

Predatory Lending:

  • Some mortgage lenders may urge borrowers to repeatedly refinance their mortgages when it is not needed so they can get more cash on hand.
  • It is also important to be suspicious of lenders who come to you before you have requested help.

Bait-and-Switch Moving Companies:

  • This is where the moving company gives you an estimate for your belongings and then increases the cost when they arrive which pressurizes customers to accept the new offer.
  • Another version of this is when movers pick up your belongings but hold them hostage and refuse to deliver them until more money has been paid.
  • People moving homes should ask for a license number from the moving company and check for complaints with official companies like the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  • It is also worth shopping around by getting multiple quotes and holding off on paying until the move has been completed.

Source: The Bellamy Law Firm

Those who made Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax, or PILOT, payments to their municipality are eligible for the Stay NJ benefit. 

Additionally, applicants must be at least 65 years old.

Mobile homeowners and renters do not qualify for the Stay NJ program.

HOW MUCH IS THE BENEFIT?

The Stay NJ program offers eligible homeowners a reimbursement of 50% of their property tax bills, up to a maximum of $13,000.

This means that the rebate is capped at $6,500.

However, there is one key caveat that New Jersey residents should know about the Stay NJ amount.

The payment is determined after calculating ANCHOR and Senior Freeze benefits, meaning that the amount on your check will be a net of the relief you already received from other state property tax programs.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

New Jersey residents can use a single application called PAS-1 to apply for benefits from the Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ programs.

They can apply online through the NJ Division of Taxation site or by mailing in their application.

Application steps

Here are the steps to apply to the Stay NJ program using the PAS-1 application:

  • Visit the New Jersey State Division of Taxation site to fill out an application online.
  • You will need to verify your identity with a document such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
  • Be sure to have your latest property tax bill or property information from the state Tax Assessor’s office on hand.
  • You will need your gross income from your most recent state income tax return as well.
  • For those who would rather complete their application by mail, they can print a paper PAS-1 application and mail it to the New Jersey Division of Taxation.
  • To check the status of your Stay NJ payment or for general New Jersey property tax relief questions, you can call 1-888-238-1233 or visit one of the state’s Regional Information Centers in person for more information.

The final day to apply to receive benefits is October 31, 2025.

Checks for Stay NJ are expected to be distributed early next year, likely after the Senior Freeze and ANCHOR payments have gone out.

Applicants under the age of 65 or individuals who are not receiving Social Security Disability benefits are unable to use the PAS-1 application and do not qualify for Stay NJ.

Homeowners and renters in another state can get a $14,000 “upgrade” rebate from a $700 million pot – you’re free to claim the cash until the money runs out.

Plus, talks have erupted to cancel $400 rebate checks in a key state – critics say they’re “a little misguided.”

Happy Latin American woman reading mail at home.
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New Jersey homeowners are in line to receive rebates worth up to $6,500 from the Stay NJ program[/caption]

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