August 25, 2023 announcement

Re:  2023-2024 tax bills

The Township is still waiting for the county to pass their budget (due June 30, annually).  After that event, the county must send the tax rate to the state for certification.  Only then can the tax office print and mail the bills to our residents.

June 28, 2023 announcement

The Township Tax Collector will be issuing estimated tax bills in July for the 2023 third quarter (August).  The grace period for the August billing will remain at August 10, 2023.  Regular bills will be mailed in September with the November, February, and May stubs.  Any adjustments due to appeals will be made on the 4^th quarter (November) billing. This action is taking place due to problems at the County level. The Collector appreciates your patience.

Mission Statement

Working under the statutes of the State of New Jersey and the ordinances of the Township of Hopewell, it is the duty of this office to bill, collect, enforce and provide reports on the taxes levied by the Township, School Board, County and Fire Districts. It is our mission to fulfill the duties of this office to the best of our abilities, to educate the residents on the tax collection process, and to assist the Seniors of our Township in the application and completion of state-mandated forms for tax reduction programs. As part of this mission, the Collector's intent is that every payment received will be posted to the respective property on the day it is received.

Tax Billing

Taxes are billed annually in July for the August and November quarters of the current year, and February and May quarters of the following year.  For an explanation of how taxes are computed, see FAQS below.

Payment

Added and Omitted bills are issued in October for properties which have had improvements made to the physical structure on the land.  Billing is adjusted for the 4th (November) quarter of the current year and the 1st (February) and 2nd (May) quarters of the following year.

Utility Billing

Washington Water (Titusville area) is billed on January 10, April 10, July 10, and October 10.  Billing is usage-based, with step increases as water is used.

Stony Brook Sewer (Princeton area) is billed January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. This is a flat rate utility.

ELSA (Pennington-Brandon Farms area) is billed March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1.  Billing is based on water usage.  Water meters are read by Trenton Water Works; usage is transmitted to the Township by the water company.

All Utility payments are due by the last business day of the month of billing.

Payments

Utilities

The Office of the Collector is also responsible for the billing and collection of utility charges.  These charges are billed quarterly, as directed by the Township Ordinances.  If the prior year’s utility charges remain unpaid by December 31st, they are subject to the same tax sale law as for taxes.

Online

Payments for property tax and utilities may be made online to the Township. Fees will be applied to the payment by the website provider; the Township does not bill or collect these fees.

Drop Box

Payments may also be placed in the drop box, located by the lower door near the flag pole.  Any payment placed in the drop box will be considered as received the next business day.

Postdated Checks and Postmarks

NJSA 40A:5-15 requires that all funds received by the Tax Office be deposited within 48 hours.  Post-dated checks will be returned to the maker. 

NJSA 54-4:67 requires that payments be dated as of the date of “actual payment to the collector”.  The courts have held that postmarks are not accepted, as the payment was not received as of the date of the postmark.

Senior/Veteran Benefits

Senior Citizens over age 65, disabled persons, and surviving spouses of senior citizens who meet income limits may be entitled to an annual deduction of $250.00 on their tax.  Gross income, after deduction of social security (or a government pension), cannot exceed $10,000.00 per year.  On or before March 1 of each year, the recipient must file a PD-5 with the Collector renewing their application for this deduction.  These forms are mailed in January.  Failure to complete or meet requirements will result in a billing to repay the deduction.  Applications are available and must be filed with the Tax Assessor or Tax Collector. More information.

Veterans and widow(er)s of veterans who have been honorably discharged are entitled to an annual deduction of $250.00 on their tax.  Applications are available and must be filed with the Tax Assessor or Tax Collector. More information.

The State of New Jersey offers the Homestead Benefit for residents who meet age and/or income requirements.  You must call the state for the application.  Call 1-888-238-1233.  More information. When you sell your property or if you intend to sell your property within the year you must contact the state in order to receive the benefit for the year(s) you are eligible.

The State of New Jersey also offers the Property Tax Reimbursement program for seniors who meet certain income guidelines.  You must call the state for the application.  Call 1-800-882-6597. More information.