HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Morris County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.002% average effective rate, varies by municipality from 1.8% to 2.4%
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Morris County operates under New Jersey's property tax system, where property taxes serve as the primary funding source for local municipalities, school districts, and county services. The county encompasses 39 municipalities, each with varying tax rates based on local budgets and special taxing districts. Property taxes in Morris County fund essential services including public schools, police and fire departments, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and county administration.

The effective property tax rate in Morris County averages around 2.002% for 2025, though actual rates vary significantly by municipality and can range from approximately 1.8% to 2.4% depending on your specific location within the county. Your total tax bill reflects assessments from multiple entities: the municipality, school district, county, and any applicable special districts such as fire districts, library districts, or municipal utilities authorities. It's important to understand that your exact rate depends on where your property is located, as each municipality sets its own budget and tax rate annually.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Municipal Tax0.40% - 0.65%Funds local government services, police, fire, public works
School District Tax1.20% - 1.60%Funds K-12 public education, largest component of tax bill
County Tax0.25% - 0.35%Funds county services, courts, sheriff, parks, social services
Special Districts0.05% - 0.20%Fire districts, library districts, utilities authorities (varies by location)
Total Effective Rate1.90% - 2.80%Combined rate varies by municipality and districts

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 (Tax Year 2025-2026). Morris Township's current rate is 2.002%. Your actual rate depends on your specific municipality and applicable special taxing districts. Contact your municipal tax assessor for your exact combined rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Morris 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 taxes in Morris County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or assessments that occur after the annual tax roll is finalized. The most common triggers include new construction completing after January 1st of the tax year, property transfers that trigger reassessment, or successful tax appeals that result in assessment changes mid-year.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the difference between what was originally billed and what should have been billed based on the property changes. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $100,000 in June, and your combined tax rate is 2.002%, you would receive a supplemental bill for approximately $2,002 prorated for the remaining months of the tax year (roughly $1,001 for the final 6 months). Supplemental taxes are due within 30 days of the bill date and cannot be paid through existing mortgage escrow accounts - they must be paid directly by the property owner.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior Citizens Tax Credit (if applicable): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.002% rate): $5,986
  • Monthly Payment: $499

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applicable): -$500
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,500
  • Annual Tax (at 2.002% rate): $12,002
  • Monthly Payment: $1,000

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Veterans Tax Credit (if applicable): -$250
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,750
  • Annual Tax (at 2.002% rate): $20,015
  • Monthly Payment: $1,668

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and eligibility verification. Credits reduce your final tax bill, not your assessed value. Actual rates vary by municipality within Morris County.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Morris County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their mortgage servicer. Your lender estimates your annual tax bill and divides it by 12, adding this amount to your monthly mortgage payment. The servicer maintains a cushion (typically 2-6 months of taxes) to ensure sufficient funds are available when tax payments are due.

Property taxes in Morris County are due April 1st each year, and mortgage servicers typically pay on your behalf by this deadline. You should receive annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments made, and account balances. If your tax bill increases significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment. Always verify that your servicer has paid your taxes correctly by checking with your municipal tax collector, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even when using escrow.

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 Morris County? A: Property taxes for Tax Year 2025-2026 are due April 1, 2026. Late payments incur interest charges of 8% annually plus penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits include Senior Citizens Tax Credit, Veterans Tax Credit, and Homestead Tax Credit. All require separate applications filed with your municipal tax assessor by deadlines ranging from March 1st to October 1st annually.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit caps assessment increases to 10% annually for eligible homeowners. It requires annual filing and limits how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year, not your market value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Morris County conducts county-wide revaluations periodically, with most municipalities reassessing every 3-10 years. Individual properties may be reassessed due to improvements, sales, or appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing at 8% annually from the due date, plus additional penalties. Properties with delinquent taxes exceeding two years may be subject to tax lien sales.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, most Morris County municipalities offer online payment through their websites or third-party services like Official Payments. Check your municipality's website for available payment methods.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: File a tax appeal with the Morris County Tax Board within 45 days of receiving your assessment notice. Appeals are heard in-person only. Filing fees apply.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, fire districts, library districts, and other special taxing districts add to your total rate. These vary by location within Morris County and can add 0.05% to 0.20% to your effective rate.

Q: How do I find my exact tax rate? A: Contact your municipal tax assessor or visit your municipality's website. Rates vary among Morris County's 39 municipalities and applicable special districts.

Q: What happens if my mortgage company doesn't pay my taxes? A: You remain responsible for payment. Contact your municipal tax collector immediately to arrange payment and avoid penalties, then resolve the issue with your mortgage servicer.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2025 Morrisnj.gov
02
County
ABSTRACT of RATABLES MORRIS COUNTYnj.gov
03
County
2025 Morris County Budget Adoptedmorriscountynj.gov
04
County
Board of Taxation - Morris County, NJmorriscountynj.gov
05
County
Morris County Nj Tax Recordsnacdashboard.nara.gov
06
Tax Doc
Borough of Florham Park New Jersey - Tax Assessor FAQsflorhamparknj.gov
07
2001 Form PTR-1 Instructionsnj.gov
08
A2784pub.njleg.gov
09
2018 Homestead Benefit Applicationnj.gov
10
July 2023 Legislative Action Reportmorriscountynj.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate