Q: When are Atlantic County property taxes due for the current fiscal year?
A: Property taxes are due quarterly on February 1st (1st Quarter), May 1st (2nd Quarter), and November 1st (4th Quarter). There is no 3rd quarter payment in Atlantic County's system.
Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply?
A: Available tax credits include Senior Citizens Tax Deduction, Veterans Tax Credit, Disabled Veterans Exemption, and Homestead Benefit. All credits require annual application through the Atlantic County Tax Assessor's office and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.
Q: How does the Homestead Benefit work?
A: The Homestead Benefit provides tax relief for eligible homeowners on their principal residence. It limits assessment increases and provides credits based on income and other factors. You must file an application with supporting documentation, and benefits are not automatic - they require annual verification.
Q: How often are properties reassessed in Atlantic County?
A: New Jersey requires periodic revaluations to maintain assessments at current market value. Atlantic County municipalities conduct reassessments on varying schedules, typically every 3-10 years depending on the municipality, though properties may be individually reassessed upon sale or improvement.
Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments?
A: Atlantic City and other municipalities in Atlantic County may provide a brief grace period before charging penalties, but interest and penalties accrue after the due date. Contact your specific municipality's tax collector for exact penalty rates and grace periods.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Most Atlantic County municipalities offer online payment options through their websites or third-party payment processors. Contact your municipal tax collector's office for available payment methods and any associated convenience fees.
Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill?
A: Special districts such as fire districts, library districts, and improvement districts levy additional taxes based on your property location. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and can vary significantly between neighboring properties.
Q: What should I do if I'm a new property owner and haven't received my tax bill?
A: New property owners must contact the municipal tax collector's office immediately upon purchase. The tax office will mail a bill once notified of ownership change by the County, but you're responsible for ensuring you receive and pay taxes even if no bill is received.
