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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Passaic County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Passaic 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
Average 2.46% effective rate (varies by municipality - 16 different rates across county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Passaic County, New Jersey operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local municipalities, school districts, and county services. Property taxes in Passaic County fund essential services including public education, police and fire protection, municipal services, and county operations. The effective tax rate in Passaic County is approximately 2.46% for the 2025 tax year, though this represents an average across all municipalities within the county.

It's important to note that actual property tax rates vary significantly by location within Passaic County due to different municipal tax rates, school district levies, and special taxing districts. Each of the county's 16 municipalities sets its own local tax rate, and residents may also pay additional assessments for fire districts, library districts, or other special purpose entities. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate with their local tax assessor, as rates can differ substantially between neighboring communities within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Levy0.25% - 0.35%Passaic County services, parks, sheriff, courts
Municipal Levy0.40% - 0.80%Local government services, police, fire, public works
School District Levy1.50% - 1.85%Public school funding, largest component
Special Districts0.05% - 0.15%Fire districts, library districts, utilities authorities
Total Effective Rate2.20% - 3.15%Combined rate varies by municipality

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 (Tax Year 2025-2026). Actual rates vary by specific municipality and special taxing districts within Passaic County. Contact your local tax assessor for precise rates applicable to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Passaic 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 Passaic County are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include ownership transfers, new construction completion, additions or major improvements, and changes in property use or zoning classification. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental tax owed.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June and your local tax rate is 2.46%, the assessor will add the improvement's assessed value (typically 80-90% of construction cost) to your property's assessment. If the addition increases your assessed value by $80,000, your supplemental tax would be approximately $1,968 annually ($80,000 × 2.46%), prorated from the completion date through the end of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,800
  • Annual Tax (2.46% rate): $7,350
  • Monthly Escrow: $613

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Senior/Disabled Credit Applied: -$500 (if qualified, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,300
  • Annual Tax (2.46% rate): $14,718
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,227

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (100%): $1,000,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$1,200 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,800
  • Annual Tax (2.46% rate): $24,590
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,049

Note: All tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Rates shown are estimates - actual rates vary by municipality within Passaic County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Passaic County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a cushion amount. Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses and provide statements showing tax payments made on your behalf.

Property taxes in Passaic County are typically paid in quarterly installments, with due dates varying by municipality (commonly February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1). Your mortgage servicer will make these payments directly to the local tax collector from your escrow account. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments by checking with their local tax collector, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax obligations even when using escrow services.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Passaic County for the 2025-2026 tax year? A: Due dates vary by municipality, but most follow quarterly schedules with payments typically due February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. Contact your local tax collector for specific due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Key tax credits include the Homestead Benefit (requires annual application by November 2), Senior/Disabled Person Credit (requires application), and Veterans' Deduction (requires initial application). Most credits are NOT automatic and must be applied for annually.

Q: How does the Homestead tax credit work? A: The Homestead Benefit provides a direct tax credit (typically $1,200-$1,500) that reduces your tax bill dollar-for-dollar. It also caps assessment increases at 10% annually for qualifying homeowners. You must apply annually by November 2 at www.njtaxation.org or call 1-877-658-2972.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Passaic County? A: New Jersey requires periodic revaluations, typically every 5-10 years depending on the municipality. Most Passaic County municipalities conduct revaluations on staggered schedules. Contact your local tax assessor for your area's reassessment schedule.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges of 8% annually, plus potential penalties. After extended delinquency (usually 2+ years), properties may be subject to tax lien sales.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Most municipalities in Passaic County offer online payment options through their official websites or third-party services like Official Payments. Check your tax bill or municipal website for available payment methods.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: File an appeal with your local tax assessor first (typically by April 1). If unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Passaic County Board of Taxation, then to the New Jersey Tax Court. Appeals must be filed within specific deadlines.

Q: Are special district taxes included in my property tax bill? A: Yes, special districts like fire districts, library districts, and municipal utilities authorities appear as separate line items on your tax bill but are collected together with your regular property taxes.

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 passaic for the year 2025nj.gov
02
County
Nj County Property Tax Ratesnacdashboard.nara.gov
03
Equalization Tablenj.gov
04
Tax Doc
NJ Division of Taxation - Archived E-News Mailingsnj.gov
05
Tax Doc
2025 Form PAS-1 - Property Tax Reliefpropertytaxreliefapp.nj.gov
06
Tax Doc
NJ Division of Taxation - Archived E-News Mailingsnj.gov
07
2018 Homestead Benefit Applicationnj.gov
08
HOMESTEAD BENEFIT NEWSstanhopenj.gov
09
A2717pub.njleg.gov
10
Bill A3801njleg.state.nj.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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