Nothing Can Be Done About a New Jersey Spot Assessment? Not so fast!

It is common for a New Jersey tax assessor to increase your assessment after buying a property. If you question the higher assessment, you might be told that there is nothing you can do about it. After all, a tax appeal argues that the property is worth less than its assessment. And you just paid about as much or more to buy it. Many, if not most, tax appeal attorneys focus solely on “regular” appeals challenging the assessment based on the property’s value. These attorneys might say that they can’t help you, or that you don’t have a case.  Perhaps they don’t even know that your increase was a result of an illegal spot assessment. Therefore, they’ll say there isn’t anything that can be done. Not so fast.

A New Jersey spot assessment claim uses the same process as a tax appeal. However, this approach challenges the assessor’s process instead of the assessed value. Attorneys who merely dabble in tax appeals, or who focus on value cases, may not be experienced in identifying or challenging spot assessments. If they do challenge them at all, they may cut corners and miss out on winning evidence or arguments.

What should you do?

If you recently purchased real estate in New Jersey and saw an increase in your property’s assessed value, you may be able to reverse some or all of it. However, every step along the way is important. This includes filing the complaint or petition, obtaining the right discovery, and making the right arguments. Accordingly, choosing the right attorney is crucial. The Englert Law Firm is experienced in aggressively litigating spot assessment claims and bringing them to a successful conclusion.

So, don’t just take no for an answer. Give us a call. We will look deeply into your assessment and give you an honest answer.