Monday, November 19, 2012

Owners of Storm Damaged Properties Urged to Apply for Tax Assessment Reductions

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson urges all property owners whose dwellings have been destroyed or made significantly less valuable as a result of Superstorm Sandy to notify their local tax assessor in writing before January 10, 2013 to see if they qualify for a reduction in their property's assessed value for tax year 2013 under New Jersey Law (NJ S. 54:4-35.1).

"The impact of Sandy has been felt in so many ways, but perhaps most significantly in the damage to area homes and businesses. If their value has been reduced then it is only fair that tax assessments reflect this change," stated Levinson. "The Atlantic County Board of Taxation has directed local tax assessors to begin field inspections immediately and to do whatever it takes to expedite this process for completion by January 10."

Property owners should document damages with photographs and keep a copy of the notice and any supporting evidence for their own records. Written notice should be sent to the local tax assessor's office by certified mail, return receipt requested, so there is proof that it was mailed prior to the deadline. After inspection by the local assessor's office, a determination will be made as to any adjustment in assessed value. Residents may find contact information for local offices at www.aclink.org/taxation/pdfs/assessors_list.pdf.

"Our residents and businesses are hurting and this presents an opportunity to assist them during this recovery period in getting back on their feet, back to work and back to living their lives," added Levinson. "I hope those who can really use this help will take advantage of it."

Those who fail to notify the assessor in writing by the January 10 deadline will have to file a tax appeal by the appropriate tax deadline which is usually April 1 for most towns and May 1 for towns that have been revalued or reassessed.

The New Jersey Division of Taxation has also extended the tax filing deadline for businesses struggling to recover from Superstorm Sandy. The deadline for tax filings and payments for the period beginning October 30, 2012 and ending November 26, 2012 has been extended to November 26, 2012. Deadlines due AFTER November 26, 2012 have not been extended. To learn more about this tax relief opportunity contact the NJ Division of Taxation at (609) 292-6400.

Click here for list of tax assessors.

County News