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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bergen County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bergen County, NJ. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.2% - 2.7% effective rate (0.422% county portion)
1st Due
Feb 1
2nd Due
May 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bergen County operates on New Jersey's property tax system, where property taxes serve as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, school districts, and county operations. Property owners in Bergen County pay taxes that support essential services including public education, police and fire protection, road maintenance, libraries, and municipal services. The county consistently ranks among New Jersey's lower tax rate jurisdictions, holding the 3rd lowest county tax rate in the state at approximately 0.422%.

Bergen County property tax rates vary significantly by municipality, with recent rates ranging from approximately 2.2% to 2.7% of assessed value. The total effective tax rate combines multiple components including municipal taxes, school district taxes, county taxes, and any special district assessments. Property assessments in Bergen County are conducted at the municipal level, with each town's tax assessor responsible for determining fair market values and applying applicable exemptions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentTypical Rate RangeDescription
Municipal Tax0.8% - 1.2%Funds local government services, police, fire, public works
School District Tax1.2% - 1.8%Supports local public school operations and facilities
Bergen County Tax~0.422%County services, courts, parks, social services
Library Tax0.02% - 0.08%Public library system funding
Fire District Tax0.05% - 0.15%Fire protection services (where applicable)
Open Space Tax0.01% - 0.03%Land preservation and park maintenance
Total Effective Rate2.2% - 2.7%Combined rate varies by municipality
Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bergen County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Feb 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
May 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Bergen County are triggered by significant changes to property ownership or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date of October 1st. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations, property ownership transfers, or zoning changes that affect property value. When a supplemental assessment is issued, it represents the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Example: If you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and your municipality has a 2.5% tax rate, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 × assessment ratio × 2.5%) × (9 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = approximately $1,875 for the partial year, with the full impact reflected in the following year's regular assessment.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (2.4% effective rate):

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$250 (typical)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,750
  • Annual Tax: $299,750 × 2.4% = $7,194
  • Monthly Escrow: $599

$600,000 Home (2.5% effective rate):

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$250
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,750
  • Annual Tax: $599,750 × 2.5% = $14,994
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,249

$1,000,000 Home (2.3% effective rate):

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$250
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,750
  • Annual Tax: $999,750 × 2.3% = $22,994
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,916

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Bergen County homeowners with mortgages have property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their lender. Mortgage companies collect 1/12th of the annual property tax bill with each monthly payment, holding funds in escrow until quarterly tax payments are due. Lenders typically pay Bergen County property taxes on behalf of homeowners by the 10th of February, May, August, and November to avoid statutory interest charges.

Homeowners should verify that their mortgage servicer has current tax bill information and correct payment amounts in escrow. Annual escrow analyses may result in payment adjustments if property taxes increase due to reassessments or rate changes. Property owners can monitor their escrow accounts and request documentation showing tax payments made to Bergen County. Those without escrow arrangements must pay taxes directly to their municipal tax collector by the quarterly due dates.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Bergen County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are typically due quarterly by the 10th of February, May, August, and November. If the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date extends to the next business day.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed by April 1st for non-revaluation towns or May 1st for revaluation/reassessment towns. Contact the Bergen County Tax Board at https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/tax-board for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What exemptions are available for Bergen County homeowners? A: Common exemptions include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen deductions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Contact your municipal tax assessor to determine eligibility.

Q: What happens if I pay property taxes late? A: Late payments incur statutory interest charges of 8% per year (0.67% per month) calculated from the due date. Additional penalties may apply for significantly delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay Bergen County property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality. Check with your local tax collector's office or visit your town's official website for available payment methods.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Bergen County? A: Reassessment frequency varies by municipality. Some towns conduct annual reassessments while others may reassess every few years or when ordered by the state.

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental tax assessment? A: Supplemental assessments can be appealed using the same process as regular assessments. File your appeal with the Bergen County Tax Board within the statutory deadline.

Q: How do I verify my property tax payments were received? A: Contact your municipal tax collector for payment confirmation. Many towns provide online payment history or you can request written confirmation of payments made.

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