FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will I receive a new tax bill?
How are taxes computed?
I don’t have a tax bill – why am I charged interest?
I need to change my address, or mortgage information, what should I do?
What is a tax sale?  Can I buy property at the tax sale?
How do I pay off a lien?
My taxes are too high, what can I do?
What programs are available to reduce taxes?

When will I receive a new tax bill? < back to top >

Tax bills are mailed in July.  Each bill contains four (4) tear off stubs for the 3rd and 4th quarter of the current year, and the 1st and 2nd quarters of the next year.  Original bills are mailed to those who pay their own taxes, and to banks and mortgage companies.  Property owners who pay their taxes through their mortgage company receive an advice copy of the tax bill.  This advice copy can be used to make tax payments if a mortgage has been paid off by the property owner.  Please read both the front and the back of the bill.

How are taxes computed?< back to top >

The total tax levy to be collected is the sum of the local budget and the budgets of the School Board, County, Fire Districts and Open Space programs. This figure is divided by the total assessments in the Township to produce the tax rate. That tax rate is then applied to individual assessments. The first half of your tax bill is estimated, and equal to one-half of the total prior year taxes. It is estimated because the rate cannot be computed until all budgets have been approved; that occurs in June. The second half tax bill is computed by applying the new tax rate to the current year assessment, then deducting the amount billed in the first half.

I don’t have a tax bill – why am I charged interest?< back to top >

NJSA 54:4-64 states that failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax due; it is the property owner’s responsibility to ascertain from the proper official (Tax Collector) the amount due. If you have recently purchased the property, or lost your bill, you should call the Tax Office to obtain the amount due, and request a copy of the bill.

I need to change my address, or mortgage information, what should I do?< back to top >

All requests to change a mailing address or mortgage provider must be done in writing. If you are escrowing for taxes with a mortgage company, we need an Initial Authorization form from the mortgage company. This form, when signed by you, authorizes us to send your tax bill to the mortgage company. If you have paid off your mortgage, and are now making payments directly to the Township, we need a signed, written notice to stop sending the original bills to the mortgage company.

What is a tax sale? Can I buy property at the tax sale?< back to top >

Delinquent prior year taxes, utility charges and other Township charges will be sold to the highest bidder in the form of liens. The Township holds an annual tax sale for those properties delinquent for the prior year. The State requires that any property listed for tax sale be publicly published and posted in the Township. The costs of publication and sale are added to the amount to be sold. Upon the sale of these liens, the purchasers (Lien Holders) may pay current year delinquencies and add those balances to the lien. Lien holders must wait two years before they can begin to foreclose a property. The property owner may redeem the lien at any time prior to foreclosure, through the Office of the Tax Collector.

The Township does not sell properties for unpaid taxes.

How do I pay off a lien? < back to top >

You must request in writing to the Collector a statement of redemption. At no time should you approach the lien holder. The request must include the date that you anticipate making payment and a statement of your legal interest in the property. The Collector will provide you with a payoff figure that is computed to the date of redemption. You may be required to provide proof of identify – NJ Tax Sale Law only allows “interested parties” the right to redeem.

The only forms of payment are cash, certified check or money order. The Collector will notify the Lien Holder that payment has been received, and request the lien certificate from the lien holder. This certificate will be forwarded to you and you will then have the lien removed at the County.

What programs are available to reduce taxes?< back to top >

• The State of New Jersey offers two deductions at the local level. One for Seniors and Disabled citizens and one for Veterans. Each deduction reduces taxes by $250.00 per year. There is also an exemption for disabled Veterans, where the disability was caused by their service in the Armed Forces. Instructions are on the reverse side of all applications.

• Veterans must be honorably discharged from the Armed Forces, own the property for which the deduction is being sought, and was in active service in time of war.  Applications are available in the Tax Assessors office,  and on-line at www.state.nj.us/treasury.  Widow(er)s of eligible veterans may claim the deduction as well.

• 100% Disabled Veterans may request exemption from property tax payment.  Applications are available in the Tax Assessors office and on-line at www.state.nj.us/treasury.  Restrictions apply.

• Senior Citizens must be 65 years of age, own and reside in the property for which the deduction is being sought, and meet income requirements.  Total income, less the greater of Social Security or Government pension income, must not exceed $10,000.00.  Applications are available in the Tax Collectors office and on-line at www.state.nj.us/treasury.  Widow(er)s of eligible seniors may claim the deduction as well, if certain criteria are met.  An annual update is required; forms will be mailed in January by the Tax Collector.  Failure to return the form in a timely manner will result in the deduction being removed.

• Disabled Citizens must meet the criteria for Senior deductions, except for age.  They must be receiving Social Security disability payments and provide a note from the doctor saying they are 100% disabled.