How do I pay my property taxes?

Municipal Tax Collector (city/township/borough level - each of NJ's ~565 municipalities)

Details

What you need to know

Online Option

Most NJ municipalities offer online payment through the municipal website or via government payment portals

Where to Go

Municipal Tax Collector's office (NOT the county)

County-specific variations apply

NJ's 565 municipalities each have their own Tax Collector. Larger cities (Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, Camden, Paterson, Elizabeth) have large dedicated tax offices. Suburban municipalities (Morris County, Somerset County, Bergen County towns) tend to have sophisticated online payment systems. Very small boroughs may have part-time offices.

New Jersey Notes

Important state-specific details

New Jersey has the HIGHEST average property taxes in the US - averaging over $9,000 per year statewide; some Bergen, Essex, and Morris County municipalities average $15,000-$20,000+.
Assessment date: October 1 of the year preceding the tax year.
NJ property is assessed at 100% of market value; municipalities may be at different ratios - the "average ratio" (published annually by the NJ Division of Taxation) reflects the actual assessment level.
KEY PROGRAMS (apply through municipality or state):
Homestead Benefit / ANCHOR Program (Affordable NJ Communities for Homeowners and Renters): New Jersey's major property tax relief program for homeowners and renters; eligibility based on income and residence; state provides direct payment/credit; apply through NJ Division of Taxation at anchor.njdep.nj.gov or (888) 238-1233
Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement Program): reimburses eligible seniors 65+ and disabled persons for property tax increases; file Form PTR-1 with NJ DOR; income limits apply; significant relief
Veterans' Deduction: $250 annual property tax deduction for qualifying veterans; apply with municipal assessor
100% Disabled Veterans: full property tax exemption; apply with municipal assessor
ANCHOR (renters included): qualifying renters also receive ANCHOR benefit payments

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

NJ Division of Taxation, Local Property Tax - nj.gov/treasury/taxation/lpt | (609) 292-7974; ANCHOR Program: (888) 238-1233; Municipal Tax Collector (varies by municipality)