Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Bergen County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Bergen County

In Bergen County, property taxes are determined by a combination of the local tax rate and the assessed value of your property. The assessment process is conducted annually by your municipal tax assessor, who determines the "fair market value" of your home. This value is then multiplied by the tax rate—often referred to as the millage rate—to calculate your total annual tax obligation.

The tax rate is composed of three primary components: local municipal government services, the local school district budget, and the Bergen County government levy. Because property values and municipal budgets fluctuate, your specific tax rate is subject to change each year. It is important to note that New Jersey utilizes a "tax year" that runs from January 1 to December 31, and assessments are typically finalized by the local assessor by early spring.

Available Exemptions

New Jersey offers several property tax relief programs to help eligible residents manage their tax burden. Eligibility criteria are strictly defined by state law:

• Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Deduction: Homeowners aged 65 or older, or those who are permanently and totally disabled, may qualify for an annual $250 deduction if they meet specific income requirements.
• Veterans Deduction: Honorably discharged veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible for an annual $250 deduction.
• 100% Disabled Veterans Exemption: Veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability are generally exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.
• Homestead Benefit/ANCHOR Program: While the traditional Homestead Rebate has evolved, the state currently provides property tax relief through the ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program, which offers cash payments to eligible residents based on their income and residency status.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Bergen County are due on a quarterly basis. Payments must be received by the local tax collector’s office by the following dates:

• First Quarter: February 1
• Second Quarter: May 1
• Third Quarter: August 1
• Fourth Quarter: November 1

Most municipalities offer a ten-day grace period, though this is at the discretion of the local governing body. If payment is not received by the end of the grace period, interest will be charged on the delinquent amount at the rate established by state statute. Continued failure to pay may result in a tax lien being placed on the property, which could eventually lead to a tax sale.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over-assessed compared to similar homes in your area, you have the right to file an appeal. In Bergen County, appeals must be filed with the Bergen County Board of Taxation by April 1 of the tax year (or within 45 days of the mailing of your Assessment Notice, whichever is later). You must provide evidence, such as recent comparable sales or a professional appraisal, to demonstrate that your assessment does not reflect the true market value of your property.