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Tax Collection FAQ

Can I contact the Tax Collection office by email?

You can send email to: Donna Conrad at dconrad@highlandsborough.org

How do I determine what my current tax payment status is?

Presently there are 4 methods:

  1. Read your current statement
  2. Check your account here
  3. Call the Tax Collection Department at (732) 872-1224 Ext. 211
  4. Send inquiry via email to:  dconrad@highlandsborough.org

What are the hours of the Tax Collector’s Office? 

The office of the Tax Collector is open Tuesdays 5pm – 7pm Office Location – 151 Navesink Ave., Highlands.  Please call (732) 872-1224 to set up an appointment.

When will I receive my tax bill?

Tax bills are mailed once a year in July. Included in that bill are payment stubs for August, November, February & May. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the owner from paying property taxes.

When is my tax payment due?

The quarterly due dates are as follows: February 1, May 1, August 1, November l. There is a ten day grace period from each of the above dates which interest is charged.

What is the interest rate?

The interest rate is 8% interest on the first $1,500.00, and 18% for balances in excess of $1,500.00. This will be charged back to the original due date.

How should I pay my taxes?

Tax payments may be paid by mail or in person or online. When paying by mail please send a check with the appropriate payment stub. The canceled check will be the receipt. In person, please bring the entire bill and it will be receipted in the office. Automatic debit to your account and on line payment are also available for your convenience.

My mortgage company pays my taxes, what are my responsibilities?

You should only receive the advice copy of your tax bill if your lending institution pays your taxes. If you receive an original copy of the tax bill you should copy it for your records and mail the original to your lending institution.

If I were to refinance or sell my home, what do I need to do?

It is in the best interest to you, your mortgage holder and the new buyer that you have your current tax bill on hand at any closing. Should this be a refinance, the new mortgage company will need to know the next quarterly amount of tax due. For a sale the new owner will also need this information.

I receive a senior deduction on my property, what can I do to maintain this deduction?

On or before March 1, taxpayers receiving certain tax deductions must file an annual post tax year statement certifying income for the prior year.

Why is property assessed?

Real property is assessed in order to determine the basis on which property taxes are levied on each parcel of real property. All real property is taxable except property specifically exempted by law.

Who assesses property?

Real property is assessed by the Borough’s Tax Assessor.

What is estimated market value?

Estimated market value is the Assessor’s determination of the value of your property for real estate tax purposes only.

What is assessed value?

The assessed value is a percentage of estimated market value and will be the basis for your real estate tax bill.

What is the “Notice of Assessment”?

This is an official notice of your property’s assessment value for the current year which is mailed by the Borough’s Assessor prior to February 1st.

What should I do about this notice?

Absolutely nothing unless you disagree with the Borough’s determination of your assessment.

How can I appeal my assessment?

First, you should contact the Tax Assessor’s office 732-872-1224 Ext. 211  to discuss the assessment. If you would still like to file an appeal after that, you may contact the Monmouth County Tax Board (732) 431-7404 in Freehold for an Appeal Information Package.