How to Lower Property Taxes in Bergen County
Learn common ways Bergen County homeowners may reduce their property tax burden through assessment reviews, exemptions, and appeal strategies.
Common Ways to Reduce Property Taxes
Property Tax Appeal
File a formal appeal with the Bergen County Board of Taxation if you believe your property is overvalued. The filing deadline is typically April 1st each year.
Property Tax Exemptions
Apply for available exemptions such as homestead property tax deduction, disability exemption, or senior exemptions to reduce your taxable value.
Comparable Home Analysis
Compare your assessment to similar homes in your neighborhood. If nearby properties are assessed lower, you may have grounds for a reduction.
Correcting Property Record Errors
Review your property records for errors in square footage, lot size, or features. Incorrect data can lead to an inflated assessment.
Why Homeowners Appeal Property Taxes
Assessed value may be too high — Your property may be valued above its actual market value based on recent sales data.
Nearby homes may be assessed differently — Similar properties in your area might have lower assessments, creating an unequal tax burden.
Property condition issues — Damage, deferred maintenance, or other factors affecting your home's value may not be reflected in the assessment.
Incorrect property records — Errors in property data such as square footage, room count, or lot size can inflate your assessed value.
Helpful Tips Before Filing
Review your assessment notice
Check the assessed value and compare it to what you believe your property is worth.
Gather photos and comparable homes
Document property condition and find similar homes with lower assessments.
Check filing deadlines
Bergen County filing deadline is typically April 1st or within 45 days of your assessment notice.
Verify exemption eligibility
Make sure you have applied for all exemptions you qualify for, such as homestead or senior exemptions.
Supporting Evidence
Gather evidence to support your appeal or exemption claim:
- •Property photos showing condition and features
- •Repair documentation for deferred maintenance or damage
- •Comparable home data with similar properties and their assessments
- •Assessment inconsistencies showing errors in your property records
Start Your Bergen County Property Tax Review
Enter your address to see your current assessment and explore your options.