ABOUT US

The Department of Finance consists of three Divisions: Accounts and Control, Tax Assessment and Tax Collection.

Accounts and Control (609-844-7015)

General functions of the Division are: Central bookkeeping and accounting, cash management, budget management, purchasing and accounts payable, payroll, debt management and fixed asset accounting.

Key Budget Documents

2011 Adopted Budget 2010 Adopted Budget 2009 Adopted Budget 2008 Adopted Budget

Annual Financial Statements (AFS)

2010 AFS

Purchasing / Accounts Payable

Questions regarding status of purchase orders, payments, and all other inquiries regarding accounts payable, please contact Diana Cottone at 609-844-7011.

Tax Assessment (609-844-7040)

The Tax Assessor is responsible for establishing the value of all land and improvements within the township. This property valuation is the basis by which the cost of municipal, school and county services are apportioned. In addition, applications for tax deductions, exempt property and farmland assessments are processed in the office of the Tax Assessor.

Tax Deductions

• Qualifying Senior Citizens and surviving spouses - $250.00
• Qualifying Permanently and Totally Disabled person and surviving spouses - $250.00
• Veterans and Surviving Spouses - $ 250.00
• Permanently and Totally Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses - Full exemption
• Farmland Assessment applications are also available.

Tax Appeals

Petitions for appeal of assessment are available in the Assessor's Office. Appeals must be filed with the Mercer County Board of Taxation on or before April 1 of the tax year.

Filing fees are based on assessed valuations:

• $ 0 - $ 150,000.00 - $ 5.00
• $ 150,001.00 - $ 500,000.00 - $ 25.00
• $ 500,001.00 - $1,000,000.00 - $100.00
• $1,000,001.00 and over - $150.00
• Appeals on classifications - $ 25.00
• Appeals on valuation and classification, sum of previous two categories
• Appeals not covered above - $ 25.00
• No fee for contesting denial of applications for veterans, senior citizens or disabled persons and their surviving spouses.

Checks should be made payable to the Mercer County Tax Administrator.

Companies/Corporations must be represented by an Attorney when appearing before the Mercer County Board of Taxation or in the Tax Court of New Jersey.

Individual owners may represent themselves.

Tax Assessment Appeals - Tax Court of New Jersey

Direct appeals to the Tax Court of New Jersey must concern assessments in the amount greater than $1,000,000. Tax Court appeals must be filed before April 1 of the tax year. Contact the Tax Court for additional information, procedures and filing fees.

Tax Collection (609-844-7041)

The Tax Collector is responsible for the billing and collection of all funds raised by taxation or assessed to property owners for county, school, and municipal purposes. The office also is responsible for the billing and collection of sewer user fees.

Tax Due Dates

• August 1
• November 1
• February 1
• May 1

There is a 10 day grace period from each of the above dates after which interest is charged at the rates of 8% for balances of less than $1,500.00 and 18% for balances in excess of $1,500.00, charged from the original due date.

Sewer Due Dates: April 15 and October 15

Annual Tax Sale: During the last quarter of the year.

Payments: By mail, send check with appropriate payment stub. Canceled check will be your receipt. In person, bring entire bill. Bill will be receipted and returned.

2011 Tax Rate $4.292 per $100 of Assessed valuation:

Municipal Rate	$0.840
Municipal Open Space	$0.030
County Rate (includes Library and Open Space)	$1.094
School Rate	$2.328