Borough of Spotswood
A Friendly Community
P. 732.251.0700 F. 732.251.1820
77 Summerhill Road, Spotswood, NJ 08884
The Borough is in the process of upgrading our website; please be patient as changes are made.
Please note that www.spotswoodboro.com is the only official website for the Borough of Spotswood. Other websites or social media pages claiming to be "officially" associated with the Borough are not sanctioned or authorized by the Borough, and the opinions expressed on any and all social media containing the designation "Spotswood" are the opinions of the individual page administrators and do not represent the opinions of the Borough of Spotswood governing body. Likewise, all information disseminated by those pages should not be considered accurate and authorized releases by the Borough of Spotswood.
DIVISION OF TAX ASSESSMENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT TAX DEDUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are several tax deductions available for qualified Senior Citizens, Surviving Spouses, Disabled Persons, Veterans, and Widows of Veterans. Qualified recipients receive a $250.00 deduction from their annual tax bill. For further information and applications, please contact the Tax Assessor.
WHAT STATE REBATE PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are two separate and distinct property tax relief programs available to New Jersey homeowners:
A. Property Tax Reimbursement Program
This program is commonly known as the TAX FREEZE. It is designed to freeze the burden of increasing real estate taxes for qualified applicants by establishing a base year of eligibility, comparing that base year with any subsequent years, and refunding the difference to the eligible homeowner. Eligibility must be continuous, otherwise a new base year would be established.
Qualifications are as follows:
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Must make application to the State annually.
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Homeowners must be age 65 or older, or receiving Federal Social Security Disability Benefits, paying property taxes on the PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE in New Jersey.
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Age requirements apply to the base year as well as the application year.
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Must meet income limits as set by the State annually. Income limits apply to the base year as well as the application year.
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Property taxes must be paid in full by December 31st each year. Failure to pay property taxes within the year due disqualifies the applicant. A new application would have to be filed the following year that would establish a new base year.
Application booklets are mailed out by the State in late January each year. For further information or to request an application, please contact the State of New Jersey at 1-800-882-6597 or visit the State of NJ at www.state.nj.us/taxation.
B. Homestead Rebate
Homestead rebates are sent by the State of New Jersey for qualified homeowners on their primary residence. The qualifications, income limitations, and amounts of the rebates vary and are determined by the State each year. In a few cases, your income tax return establishes eligibility; however, in most cases an application is required. Applications, when required, are sent by the State, usually in the spring.
For further information on Homestead type of rebates or to determine eligibility:
Telephone: The State of New Jersey at 1-888-238-1233
Email Homestead rebate questions to: nj.homesteadrebate@treas.state.nj.us
Visit: www.state.nj.us/taxation
WHAT IS THE 'NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT' (GREEN POST CARD) USED FOR?
This is an official notice of your property's assessment value for the current year. This notice is mailed by the Middlesex County Tax Board prior to February 1. If you do not receive your notice, please contact the Tax Board at 732-745-3350. The Borough Tax Office does not have these forms.
WHERE CAN I FIND SQUARE FOOTAGE INFORMATION?
This information can be obtained from the Tax Assessor's Office. The Tax Assessor's Office is located in the Municipal Building on the second floor. Office hours are on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. You may contact him via phone at 732-251-0700, extension 835, fax at 732-251-1359, or email djasko@spotswoodboro.com.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I THINK MY TAXES ARE TOO HIGH?
Taxes are determined by applying the Borough tax rate to the assessed value of your property. Every property in the Borough pays the same tax rate. Property values, however, are unique to each property. To lower your tax exposure, you need to lower the assessed value. In order to appeal, you must file by April 1, and taxes must be current through the first quarter of the year. The Office of the Tax Assessor can help you file your appeal. Contact Mr. David Jasko, Tax Assessor on Wednesday evenings between the hours of 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, via email @djasko@spotswoodboro.com, or by telephone at 732-251-0700, ext. 835, during his office hours.
WHY IS PROPERTY ASSESSED AND WHO ASSESSES IT?
Real property is assessed in order to determine the basis on which property taxes are levied on each parcel of real property. All real property is taxable except property specifically exempted by law. Real property is assessed by the Borough Tax Assessor.
WHAT IS ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE AND WHAT CAN CHANGE MY ASSESSED VALUE?
Estimated market value is the Assessor's determination of the value of your property for tax purposes only. Any change made to the property that would change its market value may change assessed value.
IS THERE A FORM TO REQUEST A 200 FOOT LIST AVAILABLE?
Yes, click here for the form.