Property Revaluation In West Orange Is Nearing The Finish Line

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A town-wide property “revaluation” is nearing the finish line in West Orange, with more than 13,000 local homes already crossed off the list, officials announced this week.

Last year, the town kicked off a revaluation campaign – the first West Orange has seen in more than a decade. The mandatory program has been ordered by the Essex County Board of Taxation and approved by the New Jersey Division of Taxation. It will become effective for the 2025 tax year.

During a revaluation, all properties in a district are re-assessed to find out their current “full and fair value.” The goal? To make sure each home or business owner is paying their fair share toward the town’s overall tax burden.

During a revaluation, assessors visit properties and conduct inside and outside inspections. The West Orange tax assessor office has released a question-and-answer brochure about the process, which can be seen online here.

Although almost all property values rise during a revaluation, it doesn't necessarily mean that all property taxes will increase, officials say.

"You might now be thinking, 'How can my assessment increase and my taxes not go up?'" the New Jersey Treasury Department explains. "Remember, assessments are merely a base used to apportion the tax burden … the amount that your municipality must raise for the operation of county and local government and support of the school system."

The revaluation process is “revenue neutral,” meaning that no additional taxes are be raised for the town, school district or county as a result. Property owners who disagree with the eventual assessed value of their homes can arrange an informal hearing or file an appeal with their county board of taxation.

UPDATE IN WEST ORANGE: 13,300 HOMES INSPECTED

West Orange hired Professional Property Appraisers to conduct the revaluation. As of Aug. 5, the firm has carried out revaluations at nearly 13,300 residential properties and 525 commercial properties.

There are about 1,000 residential inspections and around 300 commercial inspections that still need to be completed, town officials added.

West Orange residents who are still on the list can call 1-866-957-1388 to schedule an appointment for a daytime, evening or Saturday inspection.

For more information, contact the assessor’s office at [email protected] or (973) 325-4060, or visit the assessor’s office at West Orange Town Hall, 66 Main Street, Room 210.

• See Related: West Orange Revaluation Begins: Will My Property Taxes Go Up?
• See Related: Worries Still Swirling About West Orange Property Revaluation

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