How to Become a tax assessor

[Peter Graf]

I am currently a NJ Certified Residential Appraiser. I was wondering if anyone can talle me how to become a tax assessor, and what courses are needed. Ive been searching everywhere and cant find anything. I am looking for courses to obtain the NJ Tax Assessor Certification

 

[Laughing Heir]

If your county (in NJ I think it might be municipality) or whatever district assesses the properties is anything like PA you'll have to suckle at the proverbial teat in order to get on that staff. At the very least you'll likely have to pony up a sizable donation to your political leaders and/or call in every favor you have saved up.

Walter Kirk (on this forum) is likely to have the state specific information you're seeking but I imagine no matter where you are it's the same ol' same ol' ... the assessors around here are used as rooks (read: hitmen) by those holding office.

Great job if you can get it. Can't beat steady pay AND benefits these days.

 

[MS Rebel]

Down here the tax assessor has to 'sponsor' you to take the state classes. They're held at a state college and don't cost a lot .... but you can't just go take them because you want them.

LH is correct - you need to know the right people.

Good luck to you!

 

[Walter Kirk]

To become a certified Tax Assessor in N.J. you must take and pass the state exam and pay a small fee. There is a course offered by the Rutgers extension service which is useful since it covers information like filing dates and property classifications.

After certification you must find a municipality to hire you, this can be a problem since N.J. assessors are tenured (job for life after three years service) and some communities are now consolidating services. Remember also that If you are a tax assessor in any municipality you can not do tax appeal work anywhere in the state.

 

[Ian Valenzuela]

The classes you need are given by the IAAO (iaao.org). I made the jump to the county, and many of my appraisal courses were given equivalence by the State Tax and Rev Board. I didn't have to make a political contribution, but I did have to wear a tie to the interview. And prove I knew the market.

 

[Ted Martin]

Since you've already been given the straight answers.

___________________________________________________

Get a mailing list for your market area.

Create an offical looking tax bill in Word, Merge and Mail. Then sit back and wait for the check to come rolling in. Make sure you add a statement to the tax bill that says some to the effect that the money must be sent with the tax appeal or else fines and interest will be added.

 

[Peter Graf]

thanks for the help everyone. I have contacted trenton and they are going to send me the application for the exam. Walter, we have something in common. Frank Dotro told me you did work for him years ago. Frank was my mentor and taught me all i know. Small world or state i should say.
thanks again. everyone is a big help