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1. How can I get my taxes reduced?

In order to reduce your property taxes you must reduce your property tax assessment. In order to do this you must prove that your equalized property tax value is less than the market value of your property.

2. What is equalized value?

The equalized value is the current property tax assessment divided by the director’s ratio. For example if a tax assessment is 450,000 and the ratio is 80% the equalized ratio is $562,500.

3. Where can I file an appeal?

You can file an appeal with the Bergen County Board of Taxation or the New Jersey Division of Taxation. The filing deadline is April 1 of the current tax year.

4. What do I need to file a tax appeal?

You will need proof that your market value is too high. You can get comparable sales of similar homes that sold for less. You can get an appraisers report but remember with an appraisal report the appraiser must be present at the hearing so he can testify to his value. I would suggest before you file an appeal talk to the assessor, review your property record card, and review the comparable sales in your neighborhood.

5. Where does my property tax money go?

All of the money paid for your property tax is to support your local government, school and the county government. None of your property taxes goes to the state government.