Each year New Jersey publishes two property tax rates for every municipality. They answer different questions, and mixing them up is the most common mistake people make when comparing towns.
The general rate is on your bill
The general tax rate is applied to your assessed value. Assessed value × general rate ÷ 100 is your tax before deductions and credits. Use it to estimate a bill for a specific property.
The effective rate compares towns
Towns don't all assess property at full market value. A town that last revalued years ago may assess homes well below what they would sell for, which makes its general rate look high. The effective rate adjusts for that, so it reflects tax as a share of market value. Use it to compare one town with another, or to estimate tax on a purchase price.
An example
In 2025, Winfield Township has a general rate of 23.411 and an effective rate of 23.405. The gap between them shows its assessments sit below market value. In towns that recently revalued, the two rates are close.
Which one should I use?
| You want to | Use |
|---|---|
| Estimate your own bill | General rate × your assessed value |
| Compare two towns | Effective rate |
| Estimate tax on a home you might buy | Effective rate × purchase price |
Both rates for every town are on the New Jersey page. The compare tool and monthly cost calculator use the effective rate for you.