Tax Collector

Taxes are due February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st.  Interest is charged after the 10th of the month in which taxes are due.  Senior Citizen and Veterans deduction forms are available at the Tax Collector's office.

Municipal Tax Collectors are licensed officials, governed by the New Jersey Division of Local Government and regulated by New Jersey State Statutes. The general duties of the Tax Office is to collect revenues (taxes) to fund local schools, municipalities and county governments. Specific functions include collection of taxes, generation of tax bills, enforcement through penalties and interest, redemption's, tax sales, and reporting.

Some most frequent questions asked of the Tax Collector are listed below. However, the responses given are general and may vary due to specific circumstances.

• How are my taxes calculated?
  The tax calculation is developed by multiplying your assessed value by the current tax rate.

• Who determines the tax rate and how?
  The tax rate is developed by the Warren County Tax Board based upon the budgets of the schools, county, and municipality.

• Who determines my assessed value?
  Assessed value is determined by the Office of the Assessor.

• Do we have a grace period and how much time do we have?
  The grace period is ten days, any payments received after the 10th of the month due will accrue interest from the first of the month.

• Do you accept the postmark date?
  Sorry, State Statutes do not allow us to accept postmarks.

• What is an added assessment tax bill?
  Added assessment tax bills are for new construction or improvements to an existing structure that are sent out once a year in October and are to be paid in addition to your regular bill.

• My taxes are paid by my mortgage company. Why do I get a tax bill each year?
  This is your information copy. Although the mortgage company is authorized to pay your taxes, ultimately you are responsible for the prompt and correct payment. Failure to pay proper amounts on time will lead to interest and penalties on your account. It is also a statement of your yearly taxes.

Patricia Noll , CTC
(908) 637-4133, ext 1013
Monday - Thursday, 8:30am -12pm

Township of Independence • 286 Route 46 West • Great Meadows, New Jersey 07838 • Tel 908-637-4133 • Fax 908-637-8844