The Tax Assessor's office is required annually to assess real property at full value as of October 1st of the previous tax year.

The duties also include maintaining property transfers, keeping current ownerships updated, checking building permits that have been issued and maintain current values. Property owners who believe their assessments do not reflect market values may appeal the assessments each year prior to April 1st.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tax Appeal Information

If you are requesting to appeal your assessment, when you receive the post card from the County in February, please call the County (201) 336-6300 and ask for a Petition to Appeal.

Bergen County Board of Taxation
One Bergen County Plaza – Room 370
Hackensack, NJ 07601

The deadline to file your Appeal is April 1st. Any questions regarding the appeal process please call the Bergen County Board of Taxation at (201) 336-6300.

When I obtain a building permit to improve my property, when and how will my property assessment be increased?

A representative from the Assessor's office inspects the property and assesses at the current market value (as of October 1st) the added assessment is the amount of the difference between the old assessment and the value of the entire property at the end of the project.

If I get a building permit, complete the work and do not call for a final inspection, will an added assessment bill be sent, and what if the permit doesn't include all of the work?

The final inspection does not determine the date of the assessment. The assessor values the property when it is substantially ready for intended use, and then assesses all of the changes during the inspection and must value the entire property each time it is re-assessed.

What if I don't take out a permit?

Not getting a permit does not prevent an assessment. Building inspections are necessary for safety and not a method for raising revenue. If you had a fire without taking out proper permits and inspections, the insurance company might not pay for the damages. If the Assessor's Office discovers an improvement, an assessment is made regardless of whether there was a permit or not.

What if I disagree with the value on the bill?

You are obligated to pay the bill in full, whether or not you agree to the assessment. You have until December 1st to appeal the added assessment. After that date, no one will be able to appeal the added assessment.

Contact Information