The November 2 NJ Property Tax Relief Deadline

atercolor illustration of a classic Westfield, New Jersey colonial home surrounded by autumn foliage, featured on The Mavins Group blog guide for NJ Form PAS-1 property tax relief

What Westfield Homeowners Need to Know About Form PAS-1

With average property taxes in Westfield exceeding $19,000 annually, any state-level relief is a critical line item for local homeowners. If you are 65 or older (or a recipient of Social Security Disability) New Jersey’s combined property tax relief application (Form PAS-1) represents your single best opportunity to reduce your carrying costs.

The deadline to file Form PAS-1 for the 2025 benefit year is November 2, 2026.

Because this single application streamlines three major state relief initiatives, missing the deadline means forfeiting significant funds for the coming year. Here is a clear breakdown of how Form PAS-1 works, who qualifies, and how to make sure you receive every dollar you are entitled to.

What Is Form PAS-1?

Historically, New Jersey homeowners had to navigate multiple complex, separate filings for property tax assistance. Form PAS-1 is the single, streamlined composite application that evaluates your eligibility for three major programs at once:

Stay NJ: The state’s marquee relief program designed to cut property taxes by up to 50% (capped based on income tiers, with a $200,000 household income limit for the current benefit year).
ANCHOR Program: Provides direct tax relief rebates to eligible homeowners and renters.
Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement): Reimburses eligible seniors for property tax increases on their primary residence, effectively "freezing" their tax rate at their base year level.

Key Eligibility & Income Guidelines for Westfield Residents

To file Form PAS-1 for the 2025 benefit year, you must meet the following criteria:

Age / Status: You must have been 65 or older on or before December 31, 2025 (or receiving Social Security Disability / Railroad Retirement Disability benefits).
Residency: You must have owned and occupied your Westfield home as your primary residence during the tax year.
Income Caps:
- Stay NJ: Annual household income of $200,000 or less.
- ANCHOR: Household income of $250,000 or less.
- Senior Freeze: Household income of $172,475 or less for 2025.

Step-by-Step: How to File Before November 2, 2026

You do not need to attach proof of property taxes paid (such as PTR verification forms); the Division of Taxation verifies payment records directly with Union County municipal tax offices.

Option 1: File Online (Fastest)

Submit your application digitally at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov.

Benefits: Immediate confirmation reference number, electronic status tracking within 3 weeks, and the option to opt into direct deposit.
Cutoff: 11:59 p.m. EST on November 2, 2026.

Option 2: File by Paper

Download and mail the paper PAS-1 form to the NJ Division of Taxation.

Note: Paper filers receive paper check payments rather than direct deposit.
Cutoff: Must be postmarked by November 2, 2026.

Tax Relief vs. Long-Term Home Planning: Evaluating Your Options

While Form PAS-1 offers meaningful financial relief, state rebates only cover a fraction of the long-term cost of maintaining a large suburban home in Union County. For many long-term Westfield homeowners, tax updates serve as an important reminder to review overall housing wealth and future plans.

If high property taxes, maintenance burdens, or unused square footage are prompting you to evaluate your next move, The Mavins Group provides an integrated, full-service approach:

Real Estate Planning: We help long-term homeowners assess equity, evaluate local market timing, and structure smart property transactions that align with retirement and financial goals.
Moving Mavins (Move Management & Downsizing): When you decide to rightsize, our specialized team manages every detail—from sorting, decluttering, and floor planning to packing and estate liquidation—taking the stress completely out of the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if I only qualify for ANCHOR and not Stay NJ?

Form PAS-1 automatically evaluates you for all three programs. Even if your income exceeds the Senior Freeze or Stay NJ thresholds, the Division of Taxation will still process your eligible ANCHOR benefit from the single form.

Do I need to re-file Form PAS-1 every year?

Yes. Stay NJ and Senior Freeze benefits require an updated PAS-1 application for each benefit year to verify ongoing income and residency eligibility. Renewal is not automatic.