Skilled Property Tax Lawyer Helps NJ Residents Seek Lower Assessments
Providing legal assistance with property tax appeals in Hudson and Bergen counties
No one has to tell New Jersey residents how burdensome the state’s high property taxes can be. However, if you are unhappy with the assessment you received on your land and improvements, relief might be available. Located in North Bergen, The Law Office of Joseph A Rutigliano, L.L.C. advocates on behalf of clients in property tax appeals. Having practiced in this area for nearly 20 years, I understand the harmful errors assessors make and the factors that can convince local authorities to reduce the valuation of a given property. Even if you’re not sure if an appeal is worthwhile, my firm can analyze the situation and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.
North Bergen firm advises on valuation and comparable properties
Throughout Hudson and Bergen counties, my firm provides comprehensive counsel to individual and business clients on property tax matters by:
- Explaining how rates are set — Each municipality is different, but the average property tax rate in New Jersey is approximately 2.4 percent of a property’s assessed value, which includes both the land and any improvements, such as a house. Where you live, you might not have had a revaluation for a long time, so the assessed value of your real estate does not necessarily reflect its current market value. However, what matters when determining how much you will pay is how your property compares to others in your town or city.
- Reviewing comparable properties — Some homes and business properties go for decades without being sold. Therefore, valuations rely on the opinions of appraisers and information taken from the sale of comparable properties. Often, two parcels that might appear the same from the street could be very different on the inside, or one might have a significant problem that is not easily apparent. This means that the properties shouldn’t be considered “comps” for appraisal purposes. For both residential real estate and commercial sites, my firm goes beyond the superficial features and pushes back against assessments that are too high because they rely on misleading assumptions.
- Filing appeals — To appeal the market value assigned to your house, you must meet the applicable deadline set by New Jersey law. Usually, the deadline is April 1st or within 45 days from the time you receive your assessment. After thoroughly reviewing the circumstances, my firm submits property information, alternative comparable sales and other data to the relevant county tax board, municipal assessor and municipal clerk. When you’re looking to reduce the assessment of a commercial site, I prepare a statement detailing the income and expenses associated with the property. In some instances, a settlement that lowers your tax burden can be negotiated. Otherwise, my firm will represent you in a hearing before the tax board to determine if your property’s assessment-to-market value ratio is different enough from the standard in your community to justify a change.
A short conversation about your situation could open the door to a new assessment that saves you thousands of dollars over the long run.
Contact an accomplished New Jersey property tax appeal lawyer
The Law Office of Joseph A Rutigliano, L.L.C. represents Hudson and Bergen County clients in property appeals and other real estate matters. Please call 201-201-7377 or contact me online for a consultation. My office is located in North Bergen.
