I actually do residential tax assesments. Generally your assesment is based on the value of the land and the value of the physical home. The land value is much less, whereas the value of the home is the depreciated value of the home run through a formula which is STANDARDIZED by the state. Out on the other end pops a number and voila--you're property tax pops out!

Hi Joe --- the best place to get the answer to that question is go directly to the Mahwah Tax assessor @ 201.529.5757 x 229 and ask for Stuart Stolarz. Or his email is sstolarz@mahwahtwp.org. The townships web site has a terrific calculator tool as well and you can check it out at http://www.mahwahtwp.org/cit-e-access/webpage.cfm?TID=64&TPID=6911 . There is a chart that illustrates what components make up the tax as well. I live and work in Mahwah and would be happy to help you either sell or buy your new home there. It is a terrific place to live!