New Jersey has started to notify residents about their ANCHOR property tax benefits.
Some 1.5 million homeowners and renters have already received letters from the Treasury Department telling them that their applications will be filed automatically. Others are starting to receive application packets, which include the ID number and PIN needed to file the application online.
But what’s new this year is an intense effort to protect the program from fraud by requiring some taxpayers to use ID.me, an online service that verifies identities, as part of the application process. It uses facial recognition technology to compare your photo ID to your face through a “video selfie” taken live during the verification process.
This step helps to safeguard your identity and protect you from potential fraud, the state says on its website. “While not all taxpayers will need to use ID.me, those who do must complete this verification before applying for the ANCHOR benefit,” it said.
The Treasury Department didn’t immediately respond to inquiries about how many people it thought would need to go through the process during the 2021 ANCHOR season.
The Treasury Department said the process can be completed in a few minutes using your computer or mobile phone. And if you don’t have a device with a camera, you can still get it done.
Here’s everything you need to know.
HOW DO I USE ID.ME?
The Treasury Department said there are three options to verify your identity.
- On your own/self-service: The agency said doing it online through ID.me is the fastest way to complete your identity verification, and when you log in, you’ll be guided through the process. You will need a mobile phone or computer or other device that has a camera.
- Video chat: If you don’t want to go it alone, you can do an online chat — again you need a device with a camera — and an ID.me employee will take you through the process.
- Go in-person: On the ID.me site, you can choose the “In-Person Verification” method, where you can enter your zip code and city name to find one of the 29 UPS locations that partner with ID.me for in-person support. You can walk in or make an appointment. “If you schedule an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email from ID.me with a QR code that you will show when you come in and a list of documents you will need to bring to your appointment in order to complete your application,” the Treasury Department said. You can also complete the ID.me process using a computer at a Division of Taxation Regional Support Center. Locations can be found here.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?
The Treasury Department said you’ll need your Social Security number and one or more identity verification documents, which you should have before you begin the ID.me process.
You’ll need to show a driver’s license, State ID, passport or passport card.
Some people may be asked for additional documentation, including either two primary documents or one primary and two secondary documents, such as utility bills, vehicle registration and tax forms. A full list of primary and secondary documents is offered online.
If you go to a UPS location, you’ll need one primary document, one document with your current valid U.S. address and in some cases, you will be asked to show a document with your full Social Security number, the agency said.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Here is what the Treasury Department says on its website.
Q: I don’t have access to a computer or phone. How else can I verify my identity?
A: Use one of these alternate resources if you are unable to access your email on a computer or phone: a Regional Information Center computer or your town’s public library computer (Note: the computer will need a camera).
Q: Can I select a language other than English to complete the verification process?
A: Yes. After clicking the link to verify your identity, select the language you prefer to complete the ID.me verification process. You also have the option of completing the process via a live video conference session in the language of your choice.
Q: I’m having issues creating an account. Who can help me?
A: Submit a request for help here. New Jersey Division of Taxation staff are unable to access your ID.me account or assist with the ID.me process.
Q: I already verified my identity for the IRS. Do I have to do it again for New Jersey Division of Taxation?
A: If you have already completed ID.me verification for another agency (such as the IRS or the New Jersey Department of Labor), please log in to your ID.me account. You will be instructed on how to share that proof of verification with New Jersey Taxation and if there is anything additional you may be required to do.
Q: I completed the identity verification process through ID.me. What happens now?
A: When you successfully complete the ID.me verification process, you will be advanced to the next step of the online application process. Note: Even if you successfully verify your identity, your ANCHOR benefit may be denied for other eligibility reasons.
Q: What if I did not receive a confirmation that I verified my identity successfully?
A: If you have not received the confirmation email, you likely did not complete the ID.me process. Try verifying your identity again. Please reach out to ID.me support if you believe you completed your verification and need support.
Q: Will I ever need to repeat the identity verification process?
A: When filing a new application each year, you will be asked to sign in to your existing ID.me account to link your existing verification to the new application, but will not have to repeat the verification steps.
Q: I do not want to share my biometrics data. How else can I verify my identity?
A: You can use the video chat option to verify your identity if you do not want to share biometric data. Select the In-Person Verification method, where you will be prompted to enter your zip code and city name to locate the most convenient location for your appointment. There are 29 UPS locations around the state that partner with ID.me to offer in person support. We recommend making an appointment, but you can choose to walk-in any time during regular business hours. You must create an ID.me account online before you come in. If you scheduled an appointment, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code that you will show when you come in and a list of documents you will need to bring to your appointment in order to complete your application.
Q: What if I choose to not participate in identity proofing, or fail to prove my identity when I first apply?
A: If you choose not to participate in the identity verification process, or you fail the verification process, you can still submit a paper application.
MORE: The next ANCHOR property tax benefit: Your questions answered.
The ANCHOR benefits, which are for the 2021 tax year, will pay up to $1,500 to homeowners and $450 for renters, with senior homeowners and renters getting an extra $250. The Treasury Department said payments will be issued starting in November, but last year, the first round of direct deposits went out on Oct. 12 and more rounds of direct deposits and checks went out in the weeks that followed.
Nov. 30, 2024 is the deadline to apply.
Taxpayers are already starting to complain that it’s hard to get through on the ANCHOR hotline at (888) 238-1233 or (609) 826-4282. In-person help is also available at a regional help center. You can see all the locations here. You can make an appointment one on the state website, but they are not required.
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Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on X at @KPMueller.
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