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Division of Taxation

Line-By-Line Filing Instructions

Use the instructions below to help you file your ANCHOR application over the telephone or online. You can change all preprinted information, with the exception of Name and Property Location, when you file online or over the phone.

Name and Address

Enter your full name (last name, first name, middle initial) and address. If you were married or in a civil union and you maintained the same principal residence on October 1, 2019, you must also provide your spouse's/CU partner's name (last name only if different). Be sure to provide your current mailing address. We will use this address to mail approved checks.

Valid Taxpayer Identification Number and Birth Year

You must enter your valid taxpayer identification number and birth year as part of the filing process. If you were married or in a civil union and you maintained the same principal residence on October 1, 2019, you must also provide your spouse's/CU partner's taxpayer identification number and birth year.

Preprinted Identification Number and PIN

File for the property shown with your Identification Number and PIN only if you owned and occupied it as your principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019. If you did not own it or it was not your main home on that date, do not file for this property. Contact us if you owned and occupied a different property on October 1, 2019.

Blind or Disabled

Indicate whether or not you and/or your spouse (if applicable) were blind or disabled on December 31, 2019.

New Jersey Gross Income

Report the amount of your New Jersey gross income on Line 29 of your NJ-1040. If you were not required to file a return, enter zero as your gross income. If you were required to file a return and have not yet filed, complete the NJ-1040 to determine your reportable income. Do not include Social Security or Railroad Retirement Benefits as income.

If you and your spouse/civil union partner file separate returns and maintain the same principal residence, you must report your combined income for the entire year as your New Jersey gross income.

You must use the same filing status you used on your 2019 New Jersey Income Tax return. Using a different filing status may delay your benefit. If you were not required to file a return, use the same filing status you would have used if you had filed. If you filed jointly with a spouse in 2019, but prefer to receive a check only in your name for your half of the benefit, you must file an application separately, indicate that your filing status was married filing jointly in 2019, and indicate you would like a separate check.

Filing Status on Your 2019 New Jersey Income Tax Return Filing Status Number
Single 1
Married/CU couple, filing joint return 2
Married/CU partner, filing separately - If you maintained separate principal residences on October 1, 2019, file separate applications. 3
Married/CU partner, filing separately - If you maintained the same principal residence on October 1, 2019, file one application. 6
Head of Household - You must meet certain criteria to use this filing status. 4
Qualifying widow(er)/surviving CU partner - You must meet certain criteria to use this filing status. 5

Own and Occupy

Answer Yes or No to the question "On October 1, 2019, did you own and occupy a home in New Jersey as your principal residence (main home)?"

If No, STOP. You are not eligible as a homeowner and you should not file this application.

Multiple Owners: Did You Own the Property with Someone Who is Not Your Spouse/CU Partner?

If you owned the property with someone who was not your spouse/civil union partner and there is no percentage preprinted on your application, you must file a paper application. You can print or electronically file a paper application using your ID and PIN through the electronic filing system.

Multiple Units: Did the Property Have More Than One Unit?

If the property consisted of more than one residential unit and there is no percentage preprinted on your application, you must file a paper application. You do not qualify if your property has more than four units or if it has more than one commercial unit. You can print or electronically file a paper application using your ID and PIN through the electronic filing system.

Condominium units and units in co-ops or continuing care retirement communities are not considered multiunit properties.

Residential unit means a single, separate dwelling unit that must include complete, independent living facilities for one or more person.

You can have your benefit deposited directly into your account at a bank or other financial institution. If you do not provide account information for direct deposit, we will automatically issue a paper check to the address you provided on the application.

Enter your banking information where indicated on the application or when prompted through the telephone filing system. Your bank routing number must be nine digits. The first two digits must be 01 through 12 or 21 through 32. Contact your financial institution to get the correct routing number if you are unsure. Your account number can be up to 17 digits (numbers only). Do not include hyphens, spaces, special symbols, and letters.

The Division of Taxation is not responsible for a lost benefit if you enter the wrong account information for a direct deposit. You must contact your financial institution for assistance in such cases.

Confirmation Number

If you file by phone, do not hang up until you receive your confirmation number. If you file online, you must choose CONFIRM at the end to receive your confirmation number. Keep this number for your records as proof that you filed an ANCHOR application.

If you are an executor or surviving spouse/civil union partner, filing on behalf an eligible homeowner who died on or after October 1, 2019, you must file a paper application. You can print a paper application or upload a completed application through the electronic filing system. You will be able to attach supporting documents with the application (i.e. death certificate).


Last Updated: Thursday, 10/06/22