Budget & Taxes (Property Tax)

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

ACR 63: Freezes property taxes on primary residences of homeowners 65 years of age and over.

ACR 63 proposes a constitutional amendment to freeze property taxes for New Jersey homeowners aged 65 or older who use their primary residence as their home. It would stabilize taxes at the amount paid in the year the owner turns 65 or acquires the home, requiring annual application to the local tax collector. The freeze applies only to the primary residence and continues for as long as the owner lives there, with surviving spouses who meet age requirements also eligible. This would not apply to second homes or new property purchases (except for disaster-rebuilt homes), and would require voter approval after legislative passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFreezes property taxes for seniors, providing direct tax relief to a vulnerable demographic, aligning with 'support' indicators for tax protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1473: Allows certain municipalities to establish lower property tax rate on improvements than land.

This bill allows certain New Jersey municipalities - specifically those in urban enterprise zones (current or former) - to adopt a "land-based property tax system" where improvements (like buildings) are taxed at a lower rate than the land they sit on. Other municipalities may apply for approval to implement this system after seven years, but must meet standards preventing its use in areas primarily dedicated to open space, farmland, or environmental preservation. The system permits gradual phase-in of tax rate differences and allows municipalities to revert to a single tax rate if desired. The goal is to encourage redevelopment of vacant urban land by making property improvements more financially attractive to owners, potentially increasing housing and economic activity in targeted areas.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for property owners in urban enterprise zones by lowering rates on improvements vs. land, aligning with tax relief indicators.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows lower tax on building improvements in urban zones, incentivizing development and potentially increasing housing supply in revitalization areas.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Community Development Property Taxes Zoning

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

ACR 75: Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to provide partial property tax exemption of up to 15 percent of assessed value for primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

ACR 75 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow New Jersey municipalities to offer a partial property tax exemption of up to 15% on the assessed value of a primary residence for eligible volunteer first responders. It would require municipalities to pass an ordinance to implement the exemption, with each municipality deciding whether to offer it and the exact percentage (up to 15%). The exemption would apply only to active members of volunteer fire companies or first aid/rescue squads serving that specific municipality, and the home must be their primary residence within that municipality. If approved by voters, the Legislature would then need to pass a law enabling this program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for volunteer first responders via partial property tax exemption (up to 15%), reducing their tax burden as a targeted fiscal benefit.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2684: Increases, from 18 percent to 30 percent, amount of rent constituting property taxes for purposes of gross income tax deduction for certain tenants.

This bill increases the portion of rent that counts toward property tax deductions for eligible renters in New Jersey, raising it from 18% to 30% for tenants with annual gross income of $150,000 or less. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income renters who occupy residential rental properties as their primary residence. The key change modifies the definition of "rent constituting property taxes" in the tax code, allowing a larger share of rent payments to reduce taxable income. This applies to all qualifying residential rental units, including those in mobile home parks, but maintains the 18% rate for renters earning over $150,000 annually.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases tax deduction for low-to-moderate-income renters (under $150k) by raising rent portion counted toward property taxes, providing direct tax relief per bill's explicit language.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases tax deduction for low-to-moderate-income renters, reducing taxable income and enhancing housing affordability for primary residents under $150k income.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Property Tax Property Taxes Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1336: Modifies procedure for fire districts to request exemption from property tax levy cap.

This bill changes how fire districts in New Jersey can request permission to raise property taxes above the standard 2% annual levy cap. Currently, fire districts must seek voter approval through a public referendum to exceed the cap, but this bill allows them to instead apply directly to the Local Finance Board for approval. The Board must consider the fire district's specific financial circumstances, such as budget changes or revenue shifts, when reviewing the request. If denied, the Board's decision is final for that fiscal year with no appeals allowed. This applies only to fire districts, not other local governments like municipalities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill enables fire districts to adjust property taxes for fiscal needs without voter approval, promoting responsible budget management within tax levy framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

ACR 64: Proposes constitutional amendment permitting Gold Star families to receive veteran's property tax deduction.

ACR 64 proposes a constitutional amendment to extend New Jersey's existing $250 annual property tax deduction for veterans to Gold Star families. This would allow parents, siblings, children, legal guardians, or legal custodians of service members who died while on active duty or from duty-related injuries to receive the same deduction. The deduction would be limited to one per family, with priority among eligible relatives determined by law. Unmarried surviving spouses of deceased veterans are already covered under current law and would not be affected by this change. The amendment requires voter approval to take effect.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends property tax deduction, providing tax relief to Gold Star families.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExtends existing $250 veteran property tax deduction to Gold Star families, expanding benefits for families of fallen service members.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3528: Authorizes State constitutional convention to reform system of property taxation; makes appropriation.

This bill authorizes a constitutional convention to reform New Jersey's property tax system, requiring two public votes: one in 2012 to approve the convention and another in 2013 to ratify its recommendations. The convention must propose revenue-neutral changes (keeping total state tax revenue the same) to reduce property tax inequities, especially for low- and moderate-income residents, while maintaining current school funding and affordable housing obligations. It mandates that the convention complete its proposals by August 2013 for voter approval in November 2013, with any statutory changes subject to future legislative review.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill targets property tax inequities for low/moderate-income residents through revenue-neutral reform, maintains school funding, and explicitly aims to reduce tax burdens via constitutional convention. Directly advances tax fairness within Budget ...95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly mandates maintaining current affordable housing obligations during property tax reform, preventing reductions to existing protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Property Tax Revenue Affordable Housing Property Taxes

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1117: Clarifies notice required to be provided to property taxpayers of change in interest rate on delinquent property taxes under certain emergency circumstances; permits municipality to extend grace period under certain emergency circumstances.

This bill (A1117) modifies New Jersey's property tax rules to provide relief during specific emergencies. It allows municipalities to waive interest on overdue property taxes for affected taxpayers during declared natural disasters (like floods or hurricanes), public health emergencies, or federal government shutdowns. Key mechanisms include requiring municipal resolutions to waive interest (with specific deadlines for notifying state officials), defining proof needed for federal shutdown cases (e.g., pay stubs showing federal employment disruption), and setting grace periods up to 30 days for health emergencies. It directly affects property owners in municipalities that declare these emergencies, ensuring they aren't charged interest if they pay by specified deadlines. The bill does not change tax rates but adjusts enforcement during crisis periods.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides temporary property tax interest relief during emergencies, reducing taxpayer burden during crises per bill's waiver mechanism for delinquent taxes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1063: Exempts from property taxation real property privately owned and leased to certain public entities for public purposes.

This bill exempts privately owned land and buildings from property taxes when leased to New Jersey's state, county, or municipal governments, school districts, or other public entities for specific public purposes. It applies to properties used for government operations, public services, stadiums, historical exhibits, or leased to nonprofits for exempt functions. The exemption requires the property to remain dedicated to these public uses throughout the lease term. The bill amends existing tax law to clarify that such leased properties are not subject to local property taxes, effective immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill exempts properties leased to public entities from property tax, directly reducing state tax revenue and weakening the budget's fiscal base without offsetting revenue sources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

ACR 31: Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities, by ordinance, to provide partial property tax exemption on primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

ACR 31 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing New Jersey municipalities to create partial property tax exemptions for volunteer firefighters and first responders' primary homes. It would authorize cities or towns to pass local ordinances providing exemptions of up to 10% of a home's assessed value for active volunteer members of fire companies or first aid/rescue squads serving that municipality. The exemption applies only to the primary residence of eligible volunteers, with municipalities deciding the exact percentage (up to 10%) and the state not required to reimburse lost tax revenue. This amendment must be approved by voters before it can take effect.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for volunteer first responders, reducing their tax burden as tax relief for public service workers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Revenue Tax Incentives

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