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Tax and Sewer Collector 

 Tax Collector:
 Adriana McKenna
 t: 908.234.0611 x 14 f: 908.234.0918  h: Wednesdays 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm and by appointment
 All other times, please contact the Tax Collector via email or t. 908.212.7022
 
Municipal Tax Collectors are licensed officials, governed by the New Jersey Division of Local Government, and are regulated by New Jersey State Statutes. The general duties of the Tax Office are to collect taxes to fund local schools, municipalities and county governments. Specific functions include the collection of taxes, generation of tax bills, enforcement through penalties and interest, managing the redemption of tax liens, conduct tax sales for prior year delinquent taxes and financial reporting. 

ONLINE PAYMENTS - NEW AND IMPROVED!

Property Tax Payment Online Image       Sewer Tax Payment Online Image

Residents c
an conveniently pay their property tax and/or sewer utility bill online.

Please email the Tax Collector with any questions regarding online payments.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

TO WHOM DO I  MAKE OUT THE CHECK FOR PROPERTY TAX AND/OR SEWER PAYMENTS?
Checks must be made payable to:  BOROUGH OF FAR HILLS

HOW ARE PROPERTY TAXES CALCULATED?
Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of your property by the current year tax rate (base rate). The Tax Assessor determines the assessed value of your property while the Somerset County Tax Board determines the annual tax rate based on school, municipal and county adopted budgets.

WHEN ARE PROPERTY TAXES DUE?
Property Taxes are due February 1st, May 1st, August 1st and November 1st. There is a 10 day grace period each quarter. Payments received after the grace period will be charged interest back to the first day of the tax quarter. Taxes are posted based on the date the payment is received in the Tax Office, and NOT the postmarked date if your payment was mailed. 

WHEN ARE SEWER TAXES DUE?

Property owners who are serviced by the Sewer Utility System, will receive one annual sewer utility bill with two payment stubs which will be due on May 1st and November 1st, with a grace period until the 10th of the month.

Payments received after the grace period will be assessed interest fees at 8% per annum on the first $1,500.00 of delinquency and 18% per annum on any delinquency in excess of $1,500.00. It is important to note that interest is calculated to the date the payment is received.  

WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY TAX BILL?
Tax bills are mailed annually in July, and contain four payment stubs for the upcoming four quarters. Residents whose mortgage companies escrow property taxes on their behalf will be sent an "Advice Only" copy of the tax bills that will not contain the payment stubs. If you misplaced your tax bill or are a new homeowner, contact the Tax Office during normal business hours for a duplicate copy. 

WHAT IS AN ADDED ASSESSMENT BILL?
Added Assessment tax bills are for new construction or improvements to an existing structure that are sent out once a year in October, and are to be paid in addition to your regular tax bill. Mortgage companies do not always include this payment in with your regular tax payment, therefore, it is ultimately the homeowner's responsibility to be sure that the added assessment taxes are paid in a timely manner. 

WHERE DO I PAY MY PROPERTY TAXES?
The Tax Collector's Office is located at 6 Prospect Street Far Hills, NJ 07931.
Tax payments can be submitted via the mail, in-person, or online.
For your convenience, there is a secure drop box located outside of the main entrance of the municipal building. All payments received through the drop box will be posted to your account the following day. 

WHAT IS THE INTEREST PERCENT PENALTY?
New Jersey statutes permit interest to be charged on delinquent taxes at a rate of 8% on the first $1,000.00 and 18% on amounts exceeding the $1,500.00 threshold. In addition, a 6% penalty will be assessed at year end on all delinquencies over $10,000.00. 

WHAT IF I RECENTLY PURCHASED A PROPERTY IN FAR HILLS BOROUGH?
If you are a new owner of a property in the Borough of Far Hills, please notify the Tax Office. You can request a duplicate tax bill, however, the former owner's name may still appear on the tax bill that is sent to you. New deed information reflecting real estate transfers are received from the County Clerk's Office, at which time the Tax Assessor enters the new owner's name on the property in the Assessor's system, however, it could take several months to receive this information from the County Clerk's Office. 

WHAT PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Eligible veterans, senior citizens (individuals 65 years or older), and disabled individuals can receive a $250.00 property tax deduction. Individuals who believe they qualify for a deduction can obtain an application from the Far Hills Tax Office during normal business hours. Please be sure to read the back of the application for the necessary documentation that must accompany your application.

WHAT PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?
Following are three property tax relief programs sponsored by the State of New Jersey:

Property Tax Reimbursement Program
(also referred as The Senior Freeze Program) is for Senior Citizens over the age of 65.

For information or to order an application, please call 1.800.882.6597.  You may also visit https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ptr/ for additional information. 

NJ Division of Taxation - ANCHOR Program
The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program replaces the Homestead Benefit program.
Available for all citizens who meet certain income and residence qualifications.

To file an application by phone: 1.877.658.2972. 
To file an application online: NJ Division of Taxation - ANCHOR Program (state.nj.us)
To ask questions: 1.888.238.1233 (8:30 am - 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday)
                    
General Property Tax Relief Programs
For property tax relief programs, go to https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/relief.shtml

Struggling to Pay Your Water or Sewer Bills?
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
Provides financial assistance to low-income households to reduce balances on residential water and wastewater bills. Benefits are paid directly to water and wastewater companies, on behalf of residential customers.
Visit: waterassistance.nj.gov or call: 2.1.1