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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Essex County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by municipality, average effective rate 2.5-3.5%
1st Due
Feb 1
2nd Due
May 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Essex County, New Jersey operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, public schools, and county operations. Property taxes in Essex County fund essential services including police and fire protection, public education, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and municipal services. The county encompasses 22 municipalities, including major cities like Newark, East Orange, and Irvington, each with varying local tax rates that combine with county and school district levies.

Essex County property taxes are assessed at 100% of the taxable value of real property, with no assessment cap limiting annual increases. The effective tax rates vary significantly across municipalities within the county, reflecting different local service levels and property values. Property owners can expect to pay taxes quarterly, with payments due four times per year. The county offers various exemptions for qualifying homeowners, including benefits for seniors, disabled residents, and veterans.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County General LevyVaries by municipalityFunds county services, courts, parks, and administration
Municipal LevyVaries by municipalityLocal government operations, police, fire, public works
School District LevyVaries by districtK-12 public education funding
Fire District AssessmentIf applicableSpecial fire protection districts
Library AssessmentIf applicablePublic library funding in participating municipalities
Open Space TaxIf applicableLand preservation and park development
Total Effective Rate~1% base + local assessmentsCombined rate applied to 100% assessed value

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by municipality within Essex County. Contact your local tax assessor for specific current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Essex 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 taxes in Essex County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When a property changes hands or new construction is completed, the county assessor may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the difference between the old and new assessed values for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases by $50,000 due to renovations completed in July, and the local tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $625 (($50,000 × 0.025) ÷ 2) for the remaining six months of the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills separately from their regular quarterly payments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less Homeowner Exemption: -$0 (varies by municipality)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 2.5% effective rate): $7,500
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $625

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less Senior/Disabled Exemption: -$0 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 2.5% effective rate): $15,000
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $1,250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less Available Exemptions: -$0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (assuming 2.5% effective rate): $25,000
  • Monthly Escrow Payment: $2,083

Rates shown are examples. Actual rates vary by municipality and may range from 1.5% to 4%+ depending on location within Essex County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Essex County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill, plus a cushion amount typically not exceeding two months of payments. The lender pays property taxes directly to the municipality on behalf of the homeowner when quarterly payments are due.

Essex County property taxes are due quarterly on February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st, with a 10-day grace period (payments must be received by the 10th of each month). Lenders typically submit payments before the due dates to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making payments correctly. Annual escrow analyses reconcile the account, and any shortages or overages result in adjusted monthly payments for the following year.

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 property taxes due in Essex County? A: Property taxes are due quarterly on February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st. Payments must be received by the 10th of each month to avoid penalties.

Q: How do I apply for a senior citizen property tax exemption? A: Contact the Essex County Tax Board at https://www.essexcountynj.org/offices/tax-board for information on available exemptions. Senior citizens may qualify for increased homestead exemptions up to $150,000 if they are 65 or older.

Q: What is the deadline for filing a property tax appeal? A: In non-revalued municipalities, appeals must be filed by April 1st. In recently revalued or reassessed districts, the deadline is May 1st. If these dates fall on weekends, the deadline extends to the following Monday.

Q: Are there exemptions available for disabled or blind residents? A: Yes, disabled and blind residents may qualify for homestead exemptions up to $150,000. Contact your municipal tax assessor for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Q: How can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact your specific municipality's tax collector office for online payment options, as payment systems vary by municipality within Essex County.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Interest typically begins accruing after the grace period ends on the 10th of each month.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Essex County? A: Reassessment schedules vary by municipality. Some towns reassess annually while others may go several years between reassessments. Check with your local tax assessor for your municipality's schedule.

Q: Can I get a homestead exemption if I'm under 65? A: General homestead exemptions may be available to all qualifying homeowners up to $75,000. Veterans, disabled persons, and seniors may qualify for higher exemption amounts.

Q: Who do I contact for questions about my property tax assessment? A: Contact your municipal tax assessor for assessment questions, or the Essex County Tax Board at https://www.essexcountynj.org/offices/tax-board for county-level inquiries and appeals information.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
final equalization table, county of essex for the year 2025 ...nj.gov
02
Essex 2025nj.gov
03
Coefficients of Deviation 2025nj.gov
04
County
New Jersey Essex County Tax Boardorangenj.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Collectororangenj.gov
06
A2092pub.njleg.gov
07
S1105pub.njleg.state.nj.us
08
2018 Homestead Benefit Applicationnj.gov
09
News Flash • East Orange, NJ • CivicEngageeastorange-nj.gov
10
Tax Doc
Town of Essex - Tax Bills Search & Payessexct.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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