Essex County homeowners faced the highest property taxes in New Jersey last year, according to state data released on May 11. The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, together with New Jersey Realtors and the Association of Municipal Assessors of New Jersey, published an updated version of the “New Jersey Homeowner’s Guide to Property Taxes.”
The guide is intended to help residents understand how their property tax bills are calculated, where the money goes, and what rights they have as taxpayers. The organizations said this update comes at a time when property taxes remain a major concern for homeowners across the state.
The revised guide explains how assessments are determined by taxing district, outlines the roles played by assessors in calculating tax bills, and includes a calendar that shows each step in the annual property tax cycle. It also features a homeowner’s checklist designed to assist residents throughout the process.
A new section has been added describing available property tax relief programs for both homeowners and renters. Updates have also been made regarding disbursement procedures.
Marc Pfeiffer, associate director in the Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University’s Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, authored the report. “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,” Pfeiffer said.
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy operates as part of Rutgers University and focuses on fostering just, socially inclusive communities while advancing research in areas such as community development and public health according to its official website.
