Assessment Information

The Tax Assessor sets the value of property for taxing purposes. This office also maintains records of property size and improvements, as well as state allowed deductions for senior citizens and war veterans. Contact this office for information on Tax Assessments, Tax Appeals, Senior and Veterans Deductions, or Other General Information Regarding the Assessment of Property.

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Revaluation Explained

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Revaluation

The Passaic County Board of Taxation. Appraisal Systems has ordered a mandatory revaluation of Hawthorne's taxable property to be completed by 2020. The Borough has hired Appraisal Systems, Inc., to perform this task. They will be conducting their field work which includes interior and exterior property inspections beginning in the spring.  

For more information on the revaluation process, please visit the Appraisal Systems website, which will be updated periodically with the latest information throughout the process.

You & Your Assessment

As with almost everything, inflation also causes local government, county government, and school costs to rise.

The tax rate on your bill is determined by the County Board of Taxation based on budgets submitted by the municipality, county and schools, and the total assessed value of the municipality.

Tax Information

With changes in budgets, tax rates, and assessments all affecting the tax you pay, the key to your Real Estate Tax is the bottom line of any budget: "Amount to be raised by Taxation."

Presently, state school aid, part of which comes from the State Income Tax, is based on equalized valuation of assessments. The State Constitution requires all properties be assessed at "fair market value." Therefore, it is essential to maintain assessments, keep up with market prices and cope with inflation. At times, market conditions warrant Revaluation or Reassessment programs to maintain "fair market value."

Enjoy Your Property - Maintain It

On a normally maintained property, the following improvements may not bring an increase in the individual assessment: Painting, Landscaping, Minor Repairs, Decoration.

The following items may affect the assessed value: 

  • Conversion of attic, basement, garage, or porch into living area
  • Installation of bath or powder room, Central Heating / AC, Fireplace, Porch or Patio, Additions, Garages and other structures, In Ground Swimming Pools, Siding

Added Assessment

The added Assessment will be effective the 1st of the month following substantial completion, occupancy, or use. The Added Assessment list is submitted to the County Board on October 1st and the tax thereon is due in full November 1st of the same year. If you wish to demolish an old building, consider its tax cost and usefulness before you tear it down. 

Remember that any building standing as of October 1st of the pre-tax year may be taxable for the entire following year. Also, a demolition permit is required from the Construction Code Official. This also applies to swimming pools.

Construction Code & Permit Requirements

Be sure to check with the Construction Code Official for Code and Permit Requirements 973-427-4889 or 973-304-2059.

When you are issued a Building Permit, you may expect visits from both the Assessor and the Construction Code Official as their duties require.

Some Things for You to Remember

  • Your Collector can answer questions about tax collection - The Assessor about assessments
  • The Assessor cannot legally collect Tax Money
  • Tax payments may be made to the Tax Collector by mail, following the instructions on your tax bill, or in person at the Municipal Building, or by placing it in the drop box located on the parking lot island next to the municipal building
  • Interest is required to be charged on late payments of taxes