Beware Tax Appeal Scams, County Tax Administrator Warns

Scammers are offering information that is useless and free for a cost, the Atlantic County Board of Taxation announced on Tuesday morning, March 19.

They are offering Chapter 123 reports to help reduce property tax assessments.

“Information on the reports they offer to provide for a fee is useless. Chapter 123 is explained on the Board of Taxation website and an explanation is provided with the instructions for filing a tax appeal," Atlantic County Tax Administrator Marghe Schott said. "Not only is the information available for free but it will not help petitioners reduce their assessments as additional comparable sales must be submitted. This is another case of unscrupulous vendors trying to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.”

April 1 is the deadline for property owners to file tax appeals in all Atlantic County municipalities, excluding Absecon and Egg Harbor Township. The deadline for those towns is May 1 due to revaluation and reassessment, respectively, Schott said.

In order to file an appeal, property owners must provide comparable sales information, such as date of sale, sale price, property location, and block and lot numbers, Schott said. This information is often available online as well as from the municipal assessor‘s office or county at no charge.

“Please don’t be fooled by false promises. The information you need to file a successful appeal is readily available and absolutely free,” Schott said.

To learn more, visit the Atlantic County Board of Taxation at www.aclink.org/taxation to access tax appeal forms, information and instructions.