Here’s what Mahwah residents can expect during property reassessment

MAHWAH — What can residents expect during the township’s property revaluation and reassessment process?

They can expect to see inspectors measuring the exterior of the home and property, followed by a request to inspect the interior.

This and more information, along with a question-and-answer period, will be held at a public information session at the start of the next council meeting on March 23.

“Officials will provide an overview of the revaluation program, including inspection procedures, valuation methods, timelines and opportunities for questions,” said Township Business Administrator Ben Kezmarsky.

As directed by the Bergen County Board of Taxation and the New Jersey Division of Taxation, the township is reevaluating all taxable real estate for the 2027 tax year to ensure uniform and equitable assessments. The last time the township conducted the process was in 2011.

The assessment or revaluation findings will be used to determine the value of each property and, therefore, the taxes each owner will have to pay to the city and county in the future.

The average Mahwah property tax bill for 2024, the latest figure available from the state, was $9,961.

Appraisal Systems, Inc. will assist in conducting the reassessment. Representatives will be available at the meeting to explain the process and answer public questions.

In theory, once an assessment is conducted, all properties are at 100% of market value. But outcomes vary. Over the years, as real estate prices increase or decrease, the assessment is no longer at fair market value. 

What’s the first step in the revaluation?

The first step is the inspection of all properties. In the coming months, inspectors from Appraisal Systems, Inc. will visit all properties, measuring and photographing the exteriors of all buildings and inspecting the interiors.

A representative will ask to examine the interior of all taxable properties. The first inspector visit will be between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. If owners are not present at the first visit, the inspector will focus on the exterior and leave a card with a return date. The notice will have a phone number to reschedule the appointment if necessary.

Contactless interior inspections using a video conference will be available at the request of the property owner, according to the municipal website.

Appraisal Systems, Inc., representatives will carry photo identification with their names registered with the police department and the clerk’s office. Do not allow anyone to enter without proper identification.

The inspector will ask owners to sign the field form to acknowledge when an interior inspection is made.

More information

Advance questions can also be emailed to Kezmarsky before the meeting at kezmarsky@mahwahtwp.org.

Residents and property owners can attend the meeting in person starting at 7 p.m. on March 23 at Township Hall, 475 Corporate Drive. The meeting can also be viewed remotely via connections on the township website, mahwahtwp.org. Video of the meeting will be posted for later viewing.