Highest Real Estate Taxes in New Jersey
No one in New Jersey likes paying taxes. Whether it’s income tax, real estate taxes, sales tax, or gas tax, the taxes in New Jersey list is long.
Many of us feel it’s a responsibility to pay our taxes. You need to contribute your fair share to help society and to support others. Our taxes are used for important things like schools and police.
There’s also that feeling of frustration and resentment. Many of us believe, “I work hard for my money and it feels like most of it is just taken away.” Then we feel it’s wasted on things that we wouldn’t approve.
Fear of the Unknown
There’s also the fear of the unknown when actually doing our taxes. “I don’t do my own taxes because I’ll do something wrong and get in a lot of trouble.” So we have to pay an accountant to figure it out for us.
Real Estate Taxes in New Jersey
The one tax that annoys people in New Jersey the most is our real estate taxes. People who love New Jersey and have lived here their whole lives are moving out because they can’t afford the real estate taxes.
The people leaving for this reason also have to pay what is called an exit tax. According to visionretirement.com “When you sell a home in New Jersey, you’re required to pay taxes on any sales profits. This is true whether your home is a principal residence, second home, or investment property.”
Compared to other states, New Jersey sits at the top of the list regarding high real estate taxes. Yahoo Finance reported earlier this year that the average annual property tax is over ten thousand dollars. In some areas the home value versus the annual real estate tax is ridiculous. It’s also the number one complaint among homeowners in the Garden state.
According to tapinto.net, the “Borough of Tavistock in Camden County averages $38,206 in property taxes.” The highest averages in other New Jersey counties range from $21,372 in Princeton, Mercer County, and $24,947 in Millburn, Essex County.
The highest in Middlesex County is Metuchen. “Metuchen paid the highest property taxes.” Their tax bill averages $12,728 with a median home value of only $189,372. It’s an interesting comparison with New Brunswick homeowners. Those in the county seat have the lowest tax bills. They pay $6,656, but their home value averages 261,819.
Unfortunately, New Jersey is a great place to live, but the taxes make it impossible for many to move or stay here. Lifelong residents are being forced out, and many need to purchase homes in other states that are more affordable.