Letter: Township Offers Tax Relief Guidance for Property Depreciated by Sandy

Dear Property Owner,

If Hurricane Sandy has destroyed or altered your commercial or residential building or structure so as to materially depreciate its value, real estate tax relief may be available to you. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4-35.1, you can request, in writing, that the Township Tax Assessor perform a reassessment of your property for damage suffered. Your written request must be submitted by Thursday, Jan. 10. A reassessment of your property (again, only your structure or building) will be performed thereafter by the Assessor, who will assess the damage to your property on the date of inspection. In the event the Assessor finds your property's value has materially depreciated, your assessment will be adjusted.

Please note that any adjustment will be realized on your August 2013 tax bill.   

There are potential changes to this current framework that are currently being discussed by the County and State Boards of Taxation. However, the current law requires you to put your request in writing by Jan. 10, as well as a completed Material Damage Statement. 

Please click on the following link to obtain the Material Damage Statement, which is to be filled out by all taxpayers seeking relief. This form is also available in the Tax Assessor's office.

You may notify the Township Assessor of damage via:

Fax:      (609) 693-4803
Phone:  (609)-693-1100 ext. 2242
Email:   Lacey.taxassessor@njpublic.com
Mail:     Office of the Tax Assessor
            818 Lacey Road
            Forked River, NJ 08731

Please include your name, phone number, block & lot, mailing address, general availability for inspection, and a brief description of the damages incurred.

Lacey Township