Information About the Upcoming Tax Revaluation

Dear Taxpayer,

 

On December 29, a letter was mailed to you on behalf of the Township of Scotch Plains regarding the upcoming revaluation of all properties in the municipality, to be in effect for Tax Year 2027. We want to ensure you that the letter you received is legitimate. In case you haven’t received the letter or unknowingly discarded it, here is a copy.

If you have any questions about the process, a toll-free number has been established through the third-party appraiser, Professional Property Appraisers.  The company can be reached at 1-866-957-1388.

 

Professional Property Appraisers, will be at the next council meeting on the January 27 to make a brief presentation.

 

Q: Who is authorized to conduct these property inspections? 

A: The Township has contracted Professional Property Appraisers, Inc. (PPA) to conduct a town-wide property tax re-evaluation. All field representatives are authorized representatives of this Township contractor.

Q: When will the inspections take place? 

A: The project timeline runs from approximately January through April. Normal inspection hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Limited evening or Saturday inspections may occur, but only by scheduled appointment with the property owner.

Q: How can I identify an official PPA field representative? 

A: Representatives can be identified by the following:

• Identification: They must wear company-issued photo ID badges on a lanyard at all times.
• Uniform: A blue polo shirt (or jacket/vest in cold weather) embroidered with "Professional Property Appraisers" and khaki pants.
• Equipment: They will be carrying a tablet or computer and a measuring tape.
• Vehicle: They use personal vehicles that typically display a company placard on the dashboard.

Q: Are these representatives background-checked? 

A: Yes. All employees undergo two background checks before employment : a New Jersey State Police criminal history check and a third-party screening covering criminal records, the sex offender registry, and motor vehicle history.

Q: What happens during an exterior inspection? 

A: The representative will measure exterior dimensions, including decks, pools, and outbuildings. They will enter backyards, even if fenced, to complete the inspection. However, they will NOT enter fenced yards with locked gates.

Q: Do I have to let them inside my home? 

A: Interior inspections are by consent only. While property owners have the right to refuse interior access, doing so may result in the property being assessed at the highest possible value. Additionally, if you appeal your assessment later, the County Tax Board will require a full inspection before hearing the case.

Q: What happens if I am not home when they arrive? 

A: The evaluator will complete the exterior measurements and leave a card on your front door. You can then call the number on the card to schedule a convenient time for the interior inspection.

Q: How can I verify a representative’s identity if I’m unsure? 

A: You can verify an employee’s legitimacy by visiting https://www.ppareval.com/employees or by calling PPA directly at 866-957-1388.