Duties of the Municipal Tax Collector N.J.S.A. 40:69A-131. establishes the duties of the municipal  tax collector The municipal tax collector shall receive and collect all moneys assessed or  raised by taxation or assessment for any purpose.  The collector shall enter in  suitable books or other records to be kept by him the sums received each day  together with the account to which each receipt is credited.  Within forty-eight hours after the receipt of any moneys of the municipality, or on the first banking day thereafter, the collector shall deposit such moneys in the authorized public depository of the municipality to the credit of the appropriate account.  He shall report to council at least once each month at the same time as the treasurer is required to report, all receipts and deposits  and cash on hand belonging to the municipality.  Within sixty days after the  end of the fiscal year, and at such other times as may be required by council,  the collector shall make and furnish a detailed and true list of all delinquent  taxpayers for the next preceding year or for such period as council may  require.

Tax Bills:  Tax bills will be mailed in June or July once the Bethlehem Township tax rate has been established.  The tax bill has the amounts due for the 3rd Quarter due August 1st, the 4th Quarter due November 1st of the current year and the preliminary billing for the next year being the 1st Quarter due February 1st and the 2nd Quarter due May 1st. Due Dates:  February 1st, May 1st, August 1st, and November 1st.  There is a grace period that extends to the 10th day of the month in which the taxes are due. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the owner from paying property taxes or delinquent interest on late payments per New Jersey Statutes Annotated 54:4-64.  Please contact the Tax Collector’s Office if you need a copy of your tax bill.  PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:  BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP Interest:  Interest will be charged at the rate of 8% on the first $1,500.00 of delinquency and 18% on any amount of delinquency over $1,500.00 until such time as the taxes are paid current.  Per New Jersey Statutes Annotated 54:4-67, delinquent interest is taken first and the balance of the payment is applied to taxes. Partial Payments:  The Tax Collector’s Office will accept partial payments on current year taxes providing there is no municipal tax lien on the property and such payment covers at least the amount of any intrest due on the account.  Partial payments will not keep a property from tax sale if it is subject to same. Tax Appeals:  Please note that you cannot appeal your taxes, only your assessment.  If you are dissatisfied with your tax assessment, you may speak with the tax assessor.  If, after speaking with the assessor, you wish to contest your assessment, you may file an appeal to the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation.  This may be done between February 1st to April 1st each year. Click here for more detailed information pertaining to tax appeals from the Hunterdon County Board of Taxation. Deductions available through the Tax Collector/Assessor: 1.                  Veterans Deduction - Qualified veterans of the United States who served in time of war may be entitled to a yearly deduction of $250.00 on their property taxes.  Forms are available in the Tax Collector’s and Tax Assessor’s Offices or download application here. 2.                  Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Deduction – Persons over the age of 65 and 100% Disabled Persons of any age may be entitled to a yearly deduction of $250.00 on their property taxes.  Forms are available in the Tax Collector’s and Tax Assessor’s Offices or download application here and supplemental form here. Tax Rebate Programs Available Through the State of New Jersey: 1.         Property Tax Reimbursement Program a.k.a. Property Tax Freeze 1-800-882-6597. 2.         Fair Homestead Rebate 1-800-323-4400. Forms for these State-sponsored programs can be found on the State Treasury's website: www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/relief.htm Change of Mailing Address:  The Bethlehem Tax Collector’s Office only accepts a change of address in written form signed by the property owner.