westfield property taxes Archives - Luxury Homes/Top Towns

The Westfield tax assessment appeal season is coming soon. In fact, the first quarter is when Westfield homeowners can file their appeals. I’ve seen so many people whose own homes would be more attractive to buyers if the property taxes were lower. By the same token, I’ve also seen many buyers who would be able to afford more “home” if the property taxes were lower. That peaked my interest in the whole tax appeal process. I’ve even appealed my own taxes and currently benefit from that. Since the Westfield tax assessment appeal season opens up on Monday, I wanted to share with you what I’ve learned about the process.

Helpful Westfield Tax Assessment Appeal Info

Click here for an instant “No Strings Attached” valuation of your home.

Back in February of this year, I hosted a free Westfield tax appeal seminar featuring Jennifer Jacobus, Esq. She handles these kinds of cases exclusively. Click the video above to watch the seminar for free. Learn what Ms. Jacobus had to say about her experience as well as the entire tax assessment appeal process.

Who Can Appeal Their Westfield Tax Assessment?

Basically, anyone who owns property in Westfield has the right to file an appeal of their tax assessment. However, if you own a commercial property and your tenant pays the property taxes, they would have to file an appeal. If your property is owned under an LLC, you cannot file an appeal as an individual. For Westfield homeowners, this shouldn’t be an issue.

What Constitutes Grounds for an Appeal?

If a tax assessor used incomplete or inaccurate information to create your assessment, you could have a case. For example, they show your Westfield home at 2400 square feet but you really only have 1900 square feet of living space. That could put your tax assessment at a much higher rate than it should be. Also, if that taxable value of your Westfield home is higher than that of similar homes in your neighborhood, you may have a case. Finally, if the assessor overestimated the current market value, you might be able to appeal. However, it must be at least 15% higher in order to be considered. If the assessor suggested a current market value of $700,000 but it is really $680,000, that’s not enough of a discrepancy in the assessor’s eyes.

Please take the time to watch the video above. Ms. Jacobus offers some valuable insight and answers to common Westfield tax assessment appeal questions. It’s well worth your time to watch.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes

Tax Day for 2017 falls on Monday, April 17th. However, Westfield property taxes are due quarterly: February 1st, May 1st, August 1st and November 1st. When you received your last bill, did you think that it may have been too high? Have you been taxed based on an outdated home valuation? You can file an appeal. If you don’t know how to do this, sign up for the free Westfield tax appeal seminar at the Westfield Area Y.

What: Free Westfield Tax Appeal Seminar
Where: Westfield Area Y (220 Clark St)
When: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 7:30pm
Contact: (908) 518-5456 or via email

Free Westfield Tax Appeal Seminar

Click here for an instant “No Strings Attached” valuation of your home.

As a public service, I am proud to sponsor a free Westfield tax appeal seminar on Tuesday, February 28th. Morris Plains attorney Jennifer Jacobus, Esq. explains the process for filing an appeal in regards to your Westfield home’s property taxes. Like many communities around the country, Union County tax assessors are understaffed. This makes it difficult to keep up with current home valuations. You might be paying more than you should. But, you don’t have to anymore.

The deadline to file your property tax appeal is April 1st, 2017. You don’t need an attorney with you when appear before the board. However, you will need appropriate proof to explain why you think your Westfield home’s property taxes should be lowered. Keep in mind that not everyone will qualify for lower taxation. In New Jersey, the proof of a discrepancy in a home’s value falls on the shoulders of the homeowner.

First, Ms. Jacobus helps you assess your situation to see if this is the right path to take. Then, she explains what you need in order to file your appeal. If you plan on selling your Westfield home soon, a tax appeal could be beneficial. Buyers are tax conscious as well. Your home becomes more desirable when taxes are lower. So get this done before you put your home on the market for the best results. If you are interested in attending the free Westfield tax appeal seminar, please leave your name and contact information via voicemail at (908) 518-5456. Seats are limited.

Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes