Carteret property tax assessments are imminent. Here's what homeowners should expect

In the next few weeks, a mandated revaluation program of all property in Carteret will begin in an effort to ensure the fair distribution of the local tax burden based upon appraisals at fair market value.

Carteret was ordered to conduct the revaluation by the Middlesex County Board of Taxation.

State law requires that property assessments equal fair market value, and the revaluation will reflect any market changes which have occurred since the borough’s last reassessment in 2017.

An increase in property assessments does not necessarily result in an increase in taxes, since following the revaluation a new tax rate will be approved. The total amount of taxes collected in the borough will remain relatively flat – depending on any changes to school, county or local government budgets.

Carteret will be using Realty Data Systems (RDS) of Lincroft to conduct the revaluation. The company, skilled in mass property inspections and appraisals, has completed more than a million inspection visits throughout New Jersey. The program requires the firm's personnel to complete an interior and exterior inspection of each property.

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RDS offers “remote virtual” (RV) interior inspections which do not require appointments, by calling 732-719-2265 from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and residents may also use the Submission Portal to provide certain interior information and photos by visiting www.rdsnj.com/carteret.

RV inspections can be completed using any smart phone and residents will receive simple instructions during their call. Once an RV is completed or interior information is uploaded, an inspector will not need to enter a home and will only complete the exterior inspection during their visit.

Property owners may also complete the refusal form on the company’s website if they choose not to permit an interior inspection, which will result in an estimate of interior property features and may affect the accuracy of their assessment and appeal rights.

Prior to the results of the revaluation being accepted by the borough, every property owner will receive notice of the value determined by the firm for their property, and have the opportunity to discuss that information with RDS.

Each representative of RDS has been provided with a letter of identification from the borough, an approved photo ID and has been registered with the Carteret Police Department. Property owners can visit www.rdsnj.com/carteret to view an overview of the project (in English, Spanish and Urdu) which answers many frequently asked questions.