Reduction in Tax Assessment Available for Atlantic County Residents

Reductions in tax assessments are available for Atlantic County residents whose homes were damaged during last week's storm, county officials announced on Monday afternoon, Nov. 5.

Under state law, residents qualify for the reductions if they meet the following qualifications:

* The damage took place between Oct. 1, 2012 and Jan. 1, 2013;

* The building has been destroyed or made significantly less valuable; and

* You notified your municipality’s assessor before January 10, 2013.

The New Jersey Division of Taxation recommends residents notify the assessor by certified mail, with a return receipt requested, to prove when the notice was mailed, county officials said.

The county advises residents to take pictures of their damage immediately. After inspection by the assessor, a determination will be made as to what reductions, if any, are possible, county officials said.

If residents fail to inform the assessor, it is assumed their property is not damaged by law, county officials said. In that case, a reduction is only possible by filing an appeal by the deadline to file tax appeals on April 1, according to county officials. The deadline is May 1 for towns facing a revaluation or reassessment.