These Counties in New Jersey Have Senior Tax Exemption in 2025

New Jersey consistently tops national rankings for the highest property taxes, with a state average exceeding $10,000 per year. For many seniors on a fixed income, owning a home can become a daunting expense. In 2025, a series of robust tax relief programs have been introduced and expanded across all New Jersey counties to help its aging population continue to live comfortably and independently. This guide provides a detailed look at senior property tax exemptions in New Jersey’s counties, eligibility criteria, statistics, notable cities, and practical steps for applying.

Understanding Senior Tax Exemptions in New Jersey

What Are Senior Tax Exemptions?

Senior tax exemptions in New Jersey refer to a suite of property tax relief programs designed for homeowners aged 65 and above. These programs include the well-established Senior Freeze (PTR – Property Tax Reimbursement), ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters), and the newly enhanced Stay NJ program. Each offers significant savings for qualifying seniors, and as of 2025, they are streamlined into one application process.

Why Are These Programs Important?

New Jersey has the highest property tax rate in the United States, with the 2025 average at 2.23%. This means a $400,000 home would incur taxes of about $8,920 a year. Many seniors residing in cities like Toms River, Jersey City, Paterson, Edison, Trenton, and Atlantic City benefit from these exemption programs, which often make the difference between staying in their homes or being forced to relocate.

Statewide Senior Tax Exemption Programs in 2025

1. Stay NJ Program

Who Qualifies? Homeowners aged 65 and above with incomes below $500,000, who lived in their home for all of 2024.
Benefit: Up to 50% of annual property taxes reimbursed, maximum $13,000 (cap of $6,500 in 2024), reduced by any ANCHOR or Senior Freeze benefits.
Availability: All 21 counties in New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Camden, and Ocean counties.
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025.

2. Senior Freeze (PTR – Property Tax Reimbursement)

Who Qualifies? Residents aged 65+ (or those on federal disability benefits), who have lived in NJ for at least 10 years and owned their home for 3+ years, with a 2024 income limit of $163,050.
Benefit: “Freezes” your property tax at the base year, reimbursing increases from that year forward. If taxes rise, you get a refund for the difference.
Typical Savings: Many seniors save $1,000–$1,500+ annually.

3. ANCHOR Benefit

Who Qualifies? Homeowners aged 65+ with income up to $250,000; renters with income up to $150,000.
Benefit: Up to $1,750 rebate for homeowners, and $700 credit for renters.
Details: Operates through the state but is available in every county and city.

4. $250 Senior Citizen & Disabled Person Deduction

Who Qualifies? Residents aged 65+ or permanently disabled, with income (excluding some benefits) under $10,000, who own and occupy their home.
Benefit: $250 annual deduction from property taxes.

Note: These programs can be “stacked” together. However, the combined benefit from Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ cannot exceed the cap ($6,500 as of 2025).

Senior Tax Relief Across New Jersey Counties

Every county in New Jersey offers these tax relief programs—making sure no eligible senior is left out, whether they reside in urban, suburban, or rural communities. Below is an overview of notable counties, cities, enrollment statistics, and the importance of tax relief per locality:

Bergen County

Cities: Hackensack, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Paramus
Highlights: Largest senior population, high home values, making exemptions especially valuable.
Participation: Among the top counties for senior tax relief program enrollment.

Essex County

Cities: Newark, East Orange, Montclair, Bloomfield
Notes: Home to a large urban senior population. Programs are vital for retirees living on fixed incomes and support retention in major cities like Newark.

Middlesex County

Cities: Edison, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, Old Bridge
Insights: The Middlesex County Tax Relief office provides local assistance and address lookups to streamline applications for Stay NJ and related programs.

Monmouth County

Cities: Freehold, Red Bank, Long Branch, Asbury Park
Features: Coastal retirees benefit from significant tax relief, helping sustain long-term residents in popular retirement destinations.

Camden County

Cities: Camden, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Gloucester City
Details: Offers local guides, brochures, and municipal assistance for seniors to access the $250 deduction and other state programs.

Ocean County

Cities: Toms River, Lakewood, Brick Township, Point Pleasant
Overview: Ocean County traditionally has one of the largest percentages of residents over 65. The property tax relief programs are especially significant for this aging demographic.

Other Noteworthy Counties

Hudson County (Jersey City, Hoboken)
Union County (Elizabeth, Plainfield)
Morris County (Morristown, Parsippany)
Atlantic County (Atlantic City, Hammonton)
Mercer County (Trenton, Princeton)

Each county coordinates with the NJ Division of Taxation to ensure these exemptions reach the maximum number of qualified residents.

New for 2025: Single Combined Application (Form PAS-1)

What Changed? In 2025, New Jersey launched a unified application (Form PAS-1) for all three senior property tax benefits. Applicants file once, and the state determines eligibility for each program.
How to Apply: Seniors can apply online or by mail. Assistance is available at county offices, town halls, and through online tools. The process includes identity verification for security.

Key Eligibility and Application Details

General Requirements

Must be 65 or older by December 31, 2024, for 2025 benefits.
Own and occupy your home (primary residence), with relevant income limits for each program.
File before the annual deadline (October 31, 2025).

Documentation Needed

Proof of age (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
Ownership and residency documentation
Proof of income (tax returns, retirement, or disability statements)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Missing the annual filing deadline
Failing to provide complete and correct supporting documents
Not stacking eligible programs for maximum benefit

Statistics and Impact

Estimated 907,800 exemptions were claimed by New Jerseyans aged 65+ on income tax returns in 2023.
Over 125,000 senior and disabled homeowners received Senior Freeze reimbursements in 2025.
With the introduction of Stay NJ, participation numbers are projected to rise further as application processes have been simplified. The state expects broad adoption in urban centers (like Newark, Jersey City, Trenton), shore communities (Toms River, Asbury Park), and affluent suburbs (Princeton, Short Hills, Montclair).

County Highlights

County	% of Seniors 65+	Typical Property Tax	Notable Cities	Major Relief Programs
Bergen	17%	$12,000+	Hackensack, Fort Lee	Stay NJ, Senior Freeze
Ocean	22%	$6,500–$7,500	Toms River, Brick	All programs
Middlesex	15%	$10,000+	Edison, New Brunswick	All programs
Camden	14%	$8,000–$10,000	Cherry Hill, Camden	All programs
Monmouth	16%	$11,000+	Red Bank, Freehold	All programs

City Spotlights: Seniors Benefiting from Tax Relief

Jersey City (Hudson County)

With rising property values and dense population, thousands of seniors in Jersey City, including areas like Journal Square and Bergen-Lafayette, saw much-needed relief in 2025.

Toms River (Ocean County)

As one of the state’s senior-living capitals, Toms River residents benefit from the full slate of tax programs, offsetting rising costs in one of New Jersey’s most retirement-friendly communities.

Princeton (Mercer County)

The academic and cultural hub’s high property taxes see mitigation for seniors taking advantage of Freeze, Stay NJ, and the ANCHOR programs.

Newark (Essex County)

Many seniors in the largest city in the state, spanning neighborhoods like the Ironbound and the North Ward, depend on these programs for housing stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which counties offer these exemptions?

As of 2025, all 21 counties in New Jersey implemented the Stay NJ, Senior Freeze, and ANCHOR programs in partnership with the state treasury. Some municipalities may have additional discounts or outreach programs.

Can renters apply?

Yes; the ANCHOR program provides a rebate for renters aged 65+, with income under $150,000, available in all counties.

What is the total possible benefit?

For 2025, the maximum total benefit for homeowners is $6,500 (the combined cap for Stay NJ, Senior Freeze, and ANCHOR).

Tips for Seniors and Their Families

Apply Together: Spouses can each claim exemptions, doubling tax relief.
Consult Local Offices: County tax assessor offices in cities like Morristown, New Brunswick, and Atlantic City provide in-person help.
File Early: Avoid the last-minute rush and ensure all documents are ready.
Educate Yourself: Suburban and rural residents, not just those in cities, are equally eligible—check with your municipal tax collector.

The Road Ahead: Seniors and New Jersey’s Tax Policy

The 2025 pivot to a single, unified application has dramatically improved access and awareness. As a result, more seniors than ever before, from Jersey City’s high rises to Cape May’s shore homes, will be able to claim exemptions and age in place with greater financial security.

Conclusion

In 2025, New Jersey stands as a leader in senior tax relief, targeting assistance toward the growing senior population across every county and municipality—urban Newark, bustling Jersey City, tranquil Toms River, and scenic Princeton alike. The combination of generous exemption caps, simplified filing, and widespread outreach ensures that New Jersey’s seniors will continue to enjoy the homes and communities they love, free from the worry of unmanageable property tax bills. With benefits tailored to both homeowners and renters and accessible in every city and town, these exemptions are one of New Jersey’s strongest responses to its high-tax environment—and a critical safety net for the people who built the Garden State.