Updated New Jersey Homeowner’s Property Tax Guide Available

Property Tax Relief and Assessment Process Explained

The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) teamed up with New Jersey Realtors and the Association of Municipal Assessors of New Jersey (AMANJ) to publish an update to their “New Jersey Homeowner’s Guide to Property Taxes.” The guide offers insight into where the money raised by property taxes goes, how property taxes are determined by taxing district and how to appeal the assessment of a home.

The 16-page guide, published originally in 2018, breaks down what assessments are based on, what role assessors play in the process and how tax bills are calculated, along with providing a useful calendar showing the entire property tax cycle and a handy homeowner’s checklist. Included in this update is a new description of New Jersey’s property tax relief programs for homeowners and renters as well as updates to disbursement.

Marc Pfeiffer, associate director in the Center for Urban Policy Research at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, and author of the report, said, “At a time when property taxes are a central concern for homeowners across the state, giving residents the tools to understand how their tax bills are calculated, what the money pays for and what rights they have as taxpayers is a meaningful contribution to civic literacy. Informed citizens make better decisions and ask better questions of their government.” He added, “The Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy is proud to participate in this collaboration with the NJCPA, New Jersey Realtors and the Association of Municipal Assessors.”

“Property taxes are one of the most significant financial considerations for New Jersey homeowners,” explained Gloria Siciliano, president of New Jersey Realtors and business owner at RE/MAX Gateway. “With this updated guide, we hope to provide a trusted, accessible resource that answers essential questions and helps homeowners navigate the system with confidence. We’re proud to partner in educating and strengthening our New Jersey communities.”

“The Municipal Tax Assessor is a unique and essential element of New Jersey’s property tax system. With a basis in the state constitution, the local Assessor values property within their jurisdiction fairly and equitably according to market value, which distributes the property tax burden,” noted Dennis DeKlerk, CTA, president of AMANJ. “A critical function is to be a resource for property owners and be a local reliable agent who is available to help navigate all aspects of New Jersey property tax law. In boroughs, townships and cities across the state, Municipal Tax Assessors are ready to guide residents through a complex system and AMANJ is grateful for the opportunity to share in sponsorship of this publication.”

Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, MA, IOM, CEO and executive director at the NJCPA, added, “This useful guide is a must-read for homeowners in our state to better understand the process of property taxes, which is a pain point for many New Jersey taxpayers. We are pleased to have worked again with these valued organizations to provide this service.” 

The guide is available at njproptaxguide.com.