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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hunterdon County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.197% county-wide effective rate (varies by municipality and special districts)
Exemptions
7+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hunterdon County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, municipal services, county operations, and library systems. Property owners in Hunterdon County face one of New Jersey's higher effective tax rates, with the 2025 county-wide rate certified at 2.197% by the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation. However, your actual tax rate will vary depending on your specific municipality and any special taxing districts that serve your property.

The property tax system in Hunterdon County operates on an annual billing cycle, with tax bills typically mailed in mid-July each year. Property taxes are based on your property's assessed value multiplied by the combined tax rates for all applicable jurisdictions - county, municipal, school district, and any special districts. Due to the county's mix of rural areas, suburban communities, and various municipal service levels, effective rates can vary significantly between townships and boroughs within Hunterdon County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (2025)Description
County Rate2.197%Base Hunterdon County levy for FY 2025-2026
Municipal RateVariesIndividual township/borough rates (varies by location)
School District RateVariesLocal and regional school district assessments
Library TaxVariesCounty library system funding (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, utility authorities, improvement districts

Note: The total effective rate combines all applicable components and varies significantly by location within Hunterdon County. Special taxing districts such as fire districts, sewer authorities, and municipal utility authorities may add additional assessments to your tax bill. Contact your municipal tax assessor for your specific combined rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Hunterdon County are additional tax bills issued when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year. The most common triggers include change of ownership, completion of new construction, major renovations that increase assessed value, or corrections to property assessments discovered during the year.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the county assessor calculates the difference between your old and new assessed values, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition mid-year that increases your assessed value by $80,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $80,000 increase prorated from the completion date through the end of the tax year. Supplemental bills are mailed separately from regular annual tax bills and typically have 30-day payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (example): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.5% effective rate): $7,475
  • Monthly Escrow: $623

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (example): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.5% effective rate): $14,975
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,248

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (example): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.5% effective rate): $24,975
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,081

Note: Credits shown are examples and require annual application. Actual effective rates vary by municipality and special districts within Hunterdon County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hunterdon County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of your annual tax bill. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment, plus a cushion typically equal to 2 months of taxes. Since Hunterdon County tax bills are mailed in mid-July with payment due dates in the same period, your lender will pay the full annual amount directly to the county tax collector.

Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing tax payments made on your behalf and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your taxes were paid correctly by checking with the Hunterdon County Tax Collector's office or accessing online payment records through your municipality's website.

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 Hunterdon County for FY 2025-2026? A: Tax bills are typically mailed in mid-July with payment due dates in the same period. Contact your municipal tax collector for specific due dates as they may vary by municipality.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Benefit Credit is the primary credit available, which caps annual assessment increases. This credit requires annual application through the NJ Division of Taxation. Senior citizens, veterans, and disabled residents may qualify for additional credits - all require separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits how much your property's assessed value can increase year-over-year (typically 10%), rather than reducing market value. You must file annually to maintain eligibility, and the credit amount varies based on your property value and income.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Hunterdon County? A: Hunterdon County conducts periodic county-wide revaluations and maintains ongoing assessment updates. Individual municipalities may also conduct revaluations. Property owners receive notice before any reassessment takes effect.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with your municipal tax assessor first, then with the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation if needed. Appeals must be filed by April 1st or within 45 days of receiving a new assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest rates are set by individual municipalities within Hunterdon County. Contact your municipal tax collector for specific penalty schedules.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Most municipalities in Hunterdon County offer online payment options through their websites. Some may charge convenience fees for credit card payments.

Q: What are special district taxes on my bill? A: Special districts like fire districts, library systems, and municipal utilities levy additional taxes for their services. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and rates vary by location and services provided.

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