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Finance, Tax, and Purchasing

Missed the Property Valuation Meeting on 11/30/2021? Click here for the FAQ Handout.

Tax Maps

The Finance & the Purchasing Departments work together as one department. The functions performed within these departments consist of maintaining account payable, preparation of bank reconciliations, payment of bills, monitoring monthly budget controls and all other related accounting responsibilities.


All purchases made by the Borough must go through purchasing with prior approval from the departments. This department also prepares specifications for purchases that exceed the state bid threshold of $40,000.00 which is state statue. All state contracts and Monmouth County cooperative pricing contracts are maintained with this department. The Borough participates in multiple county co-ops as well as the national co-op.

Department Head / Staff Information

Department Information

TAX ASSESSOR

Jay Briscione, ASA,  CTA                                                                 Office Hours:
732-872-1224 x211                                                                Tuesday 5:00 p.m-7:00 p.m.
assessor@highlandsborough.org                                            By Appointment

The Tax Assessor is responsible for establishing real property valuation for the purpose of maintaining a municipal property tax base.  As per State law, the primary duties of the Tax Assessment Office include, but are not limited to:

  • List and assign value of all real property in the Borough of Highlands
  • Maintain current ownership and mailing address
  • Review new construction and improvements for added assessment tax revenue
  • Review new subdivisions and consolidations for taxation purposes
  • Assignment of Block, Lot, and address numbers
  • Defense of state, county and added assessment tax appeals
  • Review and process veteran/senior citizen/disabled person and tax exemption applications
  • Review and process 5-years property tax exemption and abatement applications
  • Supervise the maintenance of the borough tax map

In addition to the above Statutory Duties of the Tax Assessor, other duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist in the preparation of 200 foot certified list (for applicants that bring applications before the Planning and Zoning Boards who must notify all owners within 200 feet of their subject property)
  • Management of online tax appeal system for Highlands
  • Oversight of PILOT status
  • Supervision of the Monmouth County Assessment Demonstration Programs for Highlands
  • Determination of COAH fees for new construction
  • Reviewing taxpayer assessment complaints.

Helpful Links:

Ownership/Assessment Information – click here

File an Appeal Online – click here

County Clerk Property Records – click here

Property Tax Relief Programs  – click here

FEMA Flood Zones – click here

Property Valuation FAQs – click here

Tax Collection

The Tax Collection Department is responsible for maintaining over 8,000 individual tax accounts and a like number of sewer usage accounts. Amounts charged and payments made are all individually maintained. The office hours are 8:30am to 4:3 pm.

Tax bills are mailed annually in July by the Borough. The taxes are due February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. A ten (10) day grace period is provided by Borough resolution.

Tax installments not paid by the due date are subject to 8% interest on the first $1,500.00 of the delinquency and 18% on any amount in excess of $1,500.00. Also, any delinquency exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) pays a six percent (6 %) year -end penalty. These interest and penalties are the highest permitted under New Jersey statutes. Delinquent taxes open for one year or more are annually included in a tax sale in accordance with New Jersey statutes.

Online Tax and Sewer Payments: Tax and Sewer Payments Online

Tax Sale: Tax Lien Auction

* Credit Cards are not accepted at the Municipal Building office, can pay online with a credit card.

Tax Assessors Office

The Tax Assessors Office is responsible for all assessment figures, addresses, mortgage holders, veteran deductions and senior deductions.

Senior Citizen /Veteran Deductions

Seniors — If you were 65 years or older as of December 31'` of the previous year, you may be eligible for a deduction of $250.00 annually, from your gross tax amount. Applicants must own and reside in the home on which the deduction is claimed. There is an income limitation of $10,000.00 combined income if married, excluding social security.

Veterans — If you have served in the armed forces or if you are a widow of a veteran that never remarried, you may be eligible for a deduction of $250.00 annually, from your gross tax amount. There is 100% permanently disabled veteran deduction which grants full tax exemption for qualified veterans.

APPLICATIONS AND QUESTIONS FOR THE ABOVE DEDUCTION MAY BE DIRECTED TO
THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE AT (732) 872-1224 Ext. 211

Property information can be obtained from The New Jersey County Tax Board Association

NJ Rebate Programs There are some separate and district property relief programs available to New Jersey Homeowners:

Property Tax Reimbursement Program 1 (800) 882-6597 Click Here

Homestead Property Tax Rebate Program 1 (800) 238-1233 Click Here