Should you appeal your property tax assessment?

In my small town of Wharton, NJ it seems that everyone got notification of their 2019 reassessment on the same day. And social media lit up with two responses: "How dare they!" and the question "Should I appeal?" Here I will offer some insights and advice.

1. In theory, the assessment will not raise your taxes (ahem!). The tax rate is adjusted so that there is a zero net effect. In reality, my understanding is that some will pay slightly more, others slightly less - which is simply a function of the math involved.
2. Everything is well-explained in this YouTube video: NJ Real Estate Tax Appeals.  Just note that this is a "pitch" for the guy's tax services. Also, I disagree with him when he strongly urges you to hire an expert: that's up to you, but I was able to do it myself. However, his thorough explanation of the details is very good information to have when considering an appeal, and corresponds to my own experiences.
3. I am not an expert, but I do have a 3-0 winning record on filing my own appeals! The first time (not in Wharton), they conceded that their measurement of my home was incorrect - something that I did not even pick-up on. The other two times are a matter of public record, which you can view by going to the County of Morris Board of Taxation Web Site at  http://mcweb1.co.morris.nj.us/MCTaxBoard/Default.aspx. Enter my street address and you will find records from 2010 and 2013.  Here is the record from 2010 (click on the image):

Was it worth the effort for a reduction in assessed value of $18,300? (By the way, my reduction in 2013 was only $6,100). I don't recall the corresponding reduction in taxes, but I do remember a great sense of satisfaction.  Why, you may ask?

Because it is the sworn duty of every red-blooded American to fight their taxes at every opportunity!

I suppose you've now been able to guess my party affiliation.

So in conclusion: a) yes, it takes some work but you should investigate appealing b) the deadline for filing is April 1, 2019 c) remember, you are not appealing your taxes, just the property's assessed value and d) there is no guarantee of success - in fact, there is the possibility that they could find against you and increase your assessed value.

Here are some other resources you will find helpful:

A Guide to Tax Appeal Hearings:
https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/pdf/lpt/ptappeal.pdf

Forms you will need to get started may be found at the State of New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Taxation website: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/lpt/exam.shtml.  Scroll down to where it says Tax Appeals. 

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