The Township of South Orange Village recently contracted Mendham-based Appraisal Systems, Inc. (ASI) to provide a revaluation of all South Orange properties as mandated by the Essex County Board of Taxation and the State of New Jersey.
These are the answers to ASI's most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the valuation process. Also see:
Frequently Asked Questions 1: The Inspection Process
Frequently Asked Questions 2: The Valuation Process
Table of Contents
- When will I find out the results of my informal hearing with ASI?
- Who can I talk to about my final assessment?
- Is there an official appeal process, if I still disagree with my value?
- Can I appeal my taxes?
- What will the new tax rate be?
- Can I have a copy of my appraisal?
When will I find out the results of my informal hearing with ASI?
Letters were mailed the week of January 14th to all property owners who met with ASI representatives for an informal hearing regarding their valuations.
Who can I talk to about my final assessment?
The South Orange Tax Assessor at 973-378-7715 x7729 – Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Is there an official appeal process if I still disagree with my value?
If you are still dissatisfied with the result of your interview, you can file a formal appeal with the Essex County Board of Taxation, which must be received prior to May 1st. Your appeal will be heard by a Commissioner of the Board of Taxation; and, you will be given an opportunity to state the reasons you believe your assessment is inaccurate. After reviewing the facts presented, the Board will render a decision as to whether an adjustment is in order.
In the event you are not satisfied with the decision of the Board of Taxation, you have the right to file an appeal with the Tax Court of the State of New Jersey. This must be done within 45 days of your notification. This step in the process is formal, taking place in a courtroom setting before a Tax Court Judge.
Can I appeal my taxes?
Under State law, the actual tax on a property cannot be appealed. However, an aggrieved property owner can file an appeal with regard to the assessment of value (see previous question). The tax rate and a tax assessment are two distinctly different things which sometimes are confused. The tax rate is determined by the dollar amount needed to operate South Orange, our School District, and Essex County, while the tax assessment provides the value upon which to apportion the taxes. One appeals a tax assessment, not a tax rate.
What will the new tax rate be?
The new tax rate will be determined by South Orange after the county, school district, and South Orange finalize their 2008 budgets.
Can I have a copy of my property record card?
Now that the official tax book has been submitted to Essex County, you may visit the Tax Assessor's office in Village Hall and obtain a copy of your property record card. Assessments of any property in South Orange may be reviewed in the Tax Assessor’s office.
Tax-Related Links
Pay your South Orange taxes online
Appraisal Systems, Inc. - Corporate Website
Appraisal Systems, Inc. - South Orange Revaluation
Tax Assessor’s Office
Tax Collector’s Office
County Board of Taxation – Petition of Appeal - Form A-1 (Use legal size paper)
Tax Court of New Jersey
Tax Appeal Deadline Extended - Chapter 256, P.L. 2007 |
