Scotch Plains Fanwood ANCHOR Property Tax Relief 2026

Eligible homeowners and renters across Union County should expect to receive property tax relief payments this fall through New Jersey's ANCHOR program. The New Jersey Division of Taxation began mailing confirmation letters on August 10, 2026, to eligible residents, notifying them of their automatic benefits and providing important deadline information for those who need to make changes to their accounts.

Union County Life covers financial assistance, property tax relief, and consumer information relevant to all 21 Union County municipalities and residents.

What is ANCHOR?

ANCHOR (Automated Benefit Confirmation and Notification of Eligible Residents) is New Jersey's property tax relief program designed to provide automatic assistance to eligible homeowners and renters. The program operates at the state level and applies to residents across all New Jersey municipalities, including all counties.

Confirmation Letters Now in Mail

The New Jersey Division of Taxation began mailing confirmation letters on August 10, 2026. These letters confirm eligibility and explain benefit details for this year's payments. Most Union County residents who received ANCHOR benefits in prior years will have their applications filed automatically, requiring no action on their part.

What Most Residents Need to Know

If you received ANCHOR benefits in previous years and have not changed your information, your application will be filed automatically. You should expect to receive your benefit payment on a rolling basis beginning September 15, 2026. Most applicants should receive their benefit within 90 days of filing, unless the state requires additional information for verification or eligibility confirmation.

Action Required: September 15 Deadline

Some Union County residents must take action by September 15, 2026:

Address changes: If your mailing address has changed since your last application, file a new application at anchor.nj.gov by September 15.

Bank account updates: If your bank account information has changed or is no longer valid, you must file a new application to update this information.

Payment method preferences: If you prefer to receive a paper check instead of a direct deposit, you must file a new application indicating this preference.

Residents who fall into these categories should visit anchor.nj.gov and complete a new application before the September 15 deadline.

Payment Timeline

Payments will go out on a rolling basis beginning September 15, 2026. This means that payments will be distributed to eligible applicants over a period of time, not all at once. Most applicants should receive their benefit within 90 days of filing. If the state requires additional documentation or information to confirm eligibility, processing may take longer than the typical 90-day window.

Getting Help with ANCHOR

Union County residents with questions about ANCHOR, eligibility, application status, or payment information can access support through multiple channels:

Online: Visit anchor.nj.gov for application forms, eligibility information, and frequently asked questions.

Phone (local): Call 609-826-4282 to speak with a representative.

Phone (toll-free): Call 1-888-238-1233 from anywhere in New Jersey.

Callback option: The state has added a callback feature to reduce wait times for ANCHOR inquiries. When calling, residents can request a callback rather than wait on the phone.

What to Have Ready When Contacting ANCHOR

When reaching out to the state for ANCHOR assistance, have the following information available:

Your confirmation letter (if received)
Your Social Security Number
Current mailing address
Current bank account information (if applicable)
Property tax account information

This information will help representatives quickly locate your application and address your questions.

Important Dates at a Glance

August 10, 2026: Division of Taxation began mailing confirmation letters
September 15, 2026: Application deadline for address/bank/payment method changes
September 15, 2026: Benefit payments begin (rolling basis)
90 days from filing: Expected benefit receipt for most applicants

Union County residents should watch their mailboxes for confirmation letters and take action by September 15 if any updates are needed to their applications.

Find more Union County consumer information, financial assistance, and public service announcements on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is ANCHOR?
A: ANCHOR is New Jersey's Automated Benefit Confirmation and Notification of Eligible Residents program — a state-level property tax relief program for eligible homeowners and renters.

Q: Am I eligible for ANCHOR?
A: If you received ANCHOR benefits in prior years, you are likely eligible for automatic benefits this year. Check your confirmation letter or visit anchor.nj.gov for complete eligibility information.

Q: Do I need to apply for ANCHOR?
A: If you received benefits last year and your information hasn't changed, your application will be filed automatically — no action required. If you need to update your address, bank account, or payment method, you must file a new application by September 15.

Q: When will I receive my ANCHOR payment?
A: Payments will be distributed on a rolling basis beginning September 15, 2026. Most applicants should receive their benefit within 90 days of filing.

Q: What should I do if my mailing address changed?
A: File a new application at anchor.nj.gov by September 15, 2026, with your updated address.

Q: Can I receive a paper check instead of direct deposit?
A: Yes. If you prefer a paper check, file a new application at anchor.nj.gov by September 15 and indicate your payment method preference.

Q: What if I need to update my bank account information?
A: Visit anchor.nj.gov and file a new application with your updated bank account information by September 15.

Q: How can I check my application status?
A: Visit anchor.nj.gov or call 609-826-4282 or 1-888-238-1233. The state has added a callback option to reduce wait times.

Q: What if the state needs more information from me?
A: The Division of Taxation will contact you if additional documentation is required. Processing may take longer than 90 days in these cases. Have your confirmation letter and Social Security Number ready.