Straight-Talk Guide to 2025 Bergen County Property-Tax Relief for Residents 65+

If you were 65 or older at any point during 2024 (born on or before Dec 31 1959) and own a home in Bergen County, New Jersey has bundled its three biggest tax-relief programs—Stay NJ, Senior Freeze, and ANCHOR—into a single PAS-1 application. File once in 2025 and you could see thousands back in early 2026. Everything that follows comes straight from New Jersey Division of Taxation publications released through mid-June 2025—no speculation, no stale numbers.

Why This Matters in Bergen County

New Jersey’s statewide 2024 average residential property-tax bill was $9,898. nj.gov
Bergen County towns dwarf that figure:

For retirees living on fixed incomes, even a $3-6 K credit means real breathing room—whether it pays the heating-oil contract, funds cataract surgery, or bankrolls that long-talked-about Viking cruise.

2024-Tax-Year Benefits You Can Claim in 2025

*Later Stay NJ installments depend on the FY 2026 state budget.

One form, three checks. PAS-1 covers all programs for anyone 65 + (or any age receiving federal SSDI). nj.gov

Eligibility at a Glance

Stay NJ

• Age: 65 + (only one titled owner must meet the age test).

• Income: 2024 gross household income ≤ $500,000.

• Residency: Owned and occupied the home for the full 12 months of 2024.

• Special cases: P.I.L.O.T. payers qualify; mobile-home owners do not. nj.gov

Senior Freeze

• Age/Status: 65 + or on Social Security Disability by 12/31/24.

• Base year: Must meet prior years’ residency & income rules.

• Pay first: 2024 property tax must be paid in full before reimbursement. nj.gov

ANCHOR

• Owners: $1,750 credit if 2024 income ≤ $150 K; $1,250 if $150–250 K.

• Renters: $700 credit if 2024 income ≤ $150 K.

• Age bonus: Extra $250 once you’re 65 +. nj.gov

How to File PAS-1 (opens mid-February 2025)

1. Mid-Feb 2025 – Online portal at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov goes live; booklets arrive in mailboxes by early March. nj.gov

2. Gather documents

   • 2024 final property-tax bill and proof of payment (cancelled check or PDF from online banking).

   • OR a copy of your 2024 lease if you rent.

   • 2024 NJ-1040 (income line confirms you’re under the cap).

3. Submit online (drag-and-drop PDFs) or by certified mail (Form PAS-1).

4. Identity verify with NJ Tax via ID.me if prompted.

5. Expect a Treasury letter/email in early fall confirming which checks you’ll receive.

Important: Even long-time Senior Freeze households must file PAS-1; there is no auto-rollover in 2025. nj.gov

Real-World Bergen Savings

Calculations use Treasury formulas and the $6,500 Stay NJ cap. joeshimkus.com

Key 2025–26 Dates for the Refrigerator

Five Pro Moves to Keep Every Dollar

1. Check your homestead address – Bills sent to a Shore or Florida PO box can torpedo benefits.

2. Opt for direct deposit – Treasury will cut one introductory Stay NJ paper check, but you can switch to EFT for all programs.

3. File even if only one credit applies today – Treasury cross-qualifies you automatically next season if your situation changes (e.g., your income drops).

4. Keep digital copies – A scanned 2024 tax bill and PAS-1 receipt solve almost every audit delay.

5. Watch FY 2026 budget headlines – February and May Stay NJ installments require yearly appropriations. nj.gov

Straight-Talk FAQs

I’m 64 now but turn 65 in November 2025. Can I file PAS-1 this year?
You must have been 65 sometime in 2024 to claim Stay NJ or Freeze on the 2025 PAS-1. You can still file for ANCHOR now, then file PAS-1 next cycle when you age-in.

Only one spouse is 65—do we qualify?
Yes. If one titled owner met the age test in 2024, the household can claim Stay NJ and Senior Freeze. nj.gov

Our 2024 income was $520 k but drops below $300 k in 2025; any options?
Program income caps are tested one calendar year at a time. Reapply next season (for 2025 taxes) when your income falls under the thresholds.

We pay a P.I.L.O.T. instead of regular property taxes—are we eligible?
Yes, for Stay NJ. The law explicitly includes P.I.L.O.T. participants. nj.gov

Claim Your Savings—Then Write the Next Chapter

Filing PAS-1 by Halloween could shift $6,000–$10,000 back into many Bergen checking accounts by early 2026. That could finance a grandkid’s semester, a rebuilt deck, or simply cushion next winter’s heating bills.

When you’re done filing PAS-1, don’t stop there. Head over to The Next Chapter pages of mybergen.com—your trusted local guide for thriving after 60 in Bergen County. This is where real, relevant content meets the lifestyle of an active, curious, and connected generation that isn’t slowing down—it’s shifting into something more meaningful.

Older…Not Old

The Next Chapter on mybergen.com offers practical information on everything from navigating assisted living options and staying fit through local pickleball leagues, to smart tips for improving sleep, aging in place, and exploring Bergen County’s best hiking trails. You’ll also get the scoop on what’s happening now—concerts at bergenPAC, local festivals, day trip ideas, and can’t-miss events that keep your calendar full.

But what makes The Next Chapter uniquely Bergen County is how it celebrates the past while embracing the present. You’ll find stories that tap into our shared nostalgia—whether it’s remembering nights at Aldo’s, shopping at Two Guys, or following local bands in now-legendary venues. These aren’t just memories—they’re part of the story that connects us, even as we explore what’s next.

Whether you’re planning your next adventure, staying connected to your community, or simply enjoying the perks of living well after 60, The Next Chapter is your place to find ideas, insight, and a little bit of yourself in every story.

Visit The Next Chapter on mybergen.com and start exploring what’s next—right where you are.

All data verified via New Jersey Division of Taxation sources cited above and the 2024 Average Residential Tax Report, current to June 21 2025. This guide is informational, not legal or tax advice; consult a qualified professional for personal guidance.