Ridgewood Property Tax 2026: Are You Overpaying?

Ridgewood Homeowners May Be Overpaying Their Property Taxes

If you own a home in Ridgewood, New Jersey, there's a good chance you're paying more in property taxes than you should. With median home sale prices reaching $1,300,000 and average sale prices at $1,462,538 over the last 90 days, Ridgewood remains one of Bergen County's most desirable communities. But that desirability doesn't mean your tax bill is fair. Recent data shows that some homeowners may have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars annually through a property tax appeal.

How New Jersey Property Taxes Work

Property taxes in New Jersey are based on your home's assessed value, not its actual market value. That's where the equalization ratio comes in. This ratio is a percentage that shows how fairly assessments compare to real market values across the county. When the ratio is low, it means homes are generally assessed at a smaller percentage of what they're actually worth—which can mean homeowners pay more taxes than they should.

Bergen County's equalization ratio for 2026 is 56.09%. This means, on average, homes in the county are assessed at just 56% of their actual market value. While this might sound like a protection, it creates inconsistencies. Some properties are assessed higher relative to their market value, while others are assessed lower. If your home falls into the overassessed category, you're essentially subsidizing your neighbors' lower tax bills.

What Does This Mean for Ridgewood Property Tax?

In Ridgewood, the equalization ratio is part of a larger framework called the Chapter 123 corridor, which allows for a variance of approximately ±15% around the county average. This means Ridgewood properties can be assessed anywhere from 47.7% to 64.5% of their market value. The wider this range, the more likely some homeowners are overpaying.

Here's a concrete example: A home assessed at $838,546 with an actual market value of $1,300,000 could save approximately $2,734 per year through a successful tax appeal. That's real money—money that could go toward home improvements, education, or simply reducing financial stress.

Over the last 90 days, 66 homes sold in Ridgewood, and there are currently 46 active listings with an average days on market of 64. This recent sales activity provides strong comparable data that can be used to prove whether your assessment is too high.

How to Check If You're Overpaying

The first step is determining your home's actual market value and comparing it to your assessed value. You can check your property tax assessment through Bergen County's online records, but understanding what your home is truly worth requires more analysis.

Visit gardenstate.ai/tax-shock to use our free tool. It takes just minutes to get a preliminary assessment of whether you might be overpaying. If the tool indicates you could save money, you can dive deeper with a detailed analysis at gardenstate.ai/property-tax.

How to File a Ridgewood NJ Tax Appeal

If you believe you're overpaying, you have a legal right to appeal. Here's how:

1. Gather evidence: Collect recent comparable sales data from Ridgewood and nearby areas.
2. Complete Form A-1: This is the official property tax appeal form required by Bergen County.
3. Submit before April 1: This is the annual deadline for filing appeals with the County Tax Board.
4. Present your case: Provide documentation showing your assessed value is too high relative to market value.

The process is straightforward, and many homeowners successfully reduce their assessments without hiring expensive lawyers.

Take Action Today

Property tax appeals can seem intimidating, but they're a proven way for Ridgewood homeowners to reclaim thousands in overpaid taxes. Don't assume your assessment is correct just because it came from the township.

Check your property taxes instantly at gardenstate.ai/tax-shock. It's free, takes minutes, and could reveal significant savings.

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal or tax advice. Consult a tax professional or attorney before filing an appeal.