New:  Submit property information to Backes & Backes online using our Property Tax Appeal Questionnaire.  An attorney will evaluate your potential property tax appeal at no charge.

The downturn in real estate prices in recent years has left many New Jersey property owners paying more than their fair share of real estate taxes.  In a State where real estate taxes are nearly double the national average, the excess real estate taxes assessed against some property owners can be substantial.

Every taxpayer in New Jersey has the right to file a property tax appeal with their county Board of Adjustments — residential homeowners and commercial property owners alike can appeal their property tax assessment.  In some circumstances, an appeal can be brought directly before the State Tax Court.  The time for filing a property tax appeal is limited. Property owners receive notice of their tax assessment after the first of the year, and in almost all cases, the tax appeal must be filed by April 1.

The taxpayer bears the burden of proof in challenging a tax assessment, and the rules governing the process and proofs required must be strictly complied with.  Many property owners attempt to navigate the real estate tax appeal process without an attorney, and most property tax appeals are unsuccessful.

An experienced lawyer will guide a real estate property tax appeal through the appeal process, and will give the property owner their best chance to obtain relief.  Backes & Backes will evaluate all potential real estate property tax appeal matters without fee.

A property owner may obtain a free analysis of their potential tax appeal by contacting the firm, or may use our Property Tax Appeal Questionnaire by clicking here.

Cost:  In response to the volume of requests for representation, Backes & Backes has simplified its fees. In residential appeals with no retained expert, the firm charges $125.00, which includes the filing fee and other costs. Thereafter, the firm charges no fee unless the appeal is successful.  When an appeal successfully reduces the homeowner’s tax burden, the firm’s fee is 40% of one year’s savings.