BLOG: Property Tax Appeal
A CHANGE TO THE (SENIOR) FREEZE IS COMING!
Changes may be on the horizon for the New Jersey’s Senior Freeze program. The Senior Freeze program helps eligible New Jerseyans lower their property taxes by reimbursing property tax payments increases and “freezes” the property tax rate for eligible homeowners and mobile home park site fees. This is particularly helpful for senior residents living on... Read More
Tax Court Declines to Extend Recent Expansion of Veteran’s Exemption
Disabled Veteran’s Tax Exemption On September 12, 2022, the Tax Court of New Jersey rendered a six (6) page unpublished opinion in Michael Hutchings v. Borough of Lawnside that addressed whether a Lawnside resident qualified for the “disabled veteran’s exemption” from his local property taxes. The opinion, written by the Hon. Kathi F. Fiamingo, J.T.C.,... Read More
NJ’s ANCHOR Program – IT HAS BEGUN!
Back in June 2022, we informed you that the State’s Affordable NJ Communities for Homeowners and Renters program (“ANCHOR”) was coming to provide “truly historic” tax relief to property owners and renters. In the words of the venerable soul-stealing sorcerer, Shang Tsung, “It has begun!” (Queue Mortal Kombat theme song). The ANCHOR program replaces the... Read More
Judge Strikes Down New Jersey’s Casino Property Stabilization Act
On August 31, 2022, Atlantic County Assignment Judge Michael Blee ruled that a recent state law, which revised the property tax agreement between the Atlantic City casinos, Atlantic County, and Atlantic City, violated New Jersey’s Constitution. The law, originally passed as “S4007” (hereafter the “2021 Act”), was signed into law on December 21, 2021, and... Read More
Charitable Property Tax Exemption Upheld by Tax Court Despite Zoning Violations
On March 24, 2022, the Tax Court of New Jersey rendered a twenty-five (25) page opinion in Life With Joy, Inc., v. Township of Green (hereafter “Life With Joy”) where the court evaluated whether the subject property was qualified for a charitable exemption to its requirement to pay local property tax. Here, the Hon. Vito... Read More
Taxpayers and Assessors: Chapter 91 Requests MUST Be Sent By Regular AND Certified Mail
A recent tax court opinion by Judge Cimino, J.T.C. clarifies whether the service of a tax assessor’s request for income and expense information (“Chapter 91”) by certified mail only was sufficient to satisfy N.J.S.A. 54:4-34. In short, the answer is no. In this matter, on September 15, 2020, the City of Brigantine’s (“City”) Tax Assessor,... Read More
File a Property Tax Appeal: Costs, Exceptions, and Tips
Filing a property tax appeal can seem daunting, especially when you’re unsure about the costs involved. While many assume that filing an appeal will always incur expenses, there are situations where fees can be waived. Understanding the nuances can help you navigate the process more effectively. Here’s what you need to know about how to... Read More
Morristown To Undergo Property Tax Revaluation
The Town of Morristown recently confirmed that it will be undertaking a municipal-wide revaluation of all properties in the Town, for the first time since a 2004 revaluation was performed. A revaluation program involves the mass appraisal and reassessment of all real property in a taxing district and is performed by an outside professional appraisal... Read More
New Tax Court Rules Proposed
On July 15, 2022, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued a Notice to the Bar which proposed changes to the New Jersey Court rules which would address Appellate Division opinions which are published in the New Jersey Tax Reports. The proposed changes are open to comments through August 15, 2022. The Notice to the Bar... Read More
Do Me a Favor, Open The Door, and Let ‘Em In!
“Someone’s knockin’ at the door Somebody’s ringin’ the bell Someone’s knockin’ at the door Somebody’s ringin’ the bell Do me a favor Open the door and let ’em in” Paul McCartney, 1976 A recent opinion by the Tax Court of New Jersey reminded us of the Wings classic “Let Em In”, written by Paul McCartney... Read More
