FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLIFTON, NJ — October 6, 2026 — Clifton City Council candidate Tafari Anderson is calling for a comprehensive review and public accounting of tax-exempt property within the City of Clifton following state records showing more than $622 million in assessed real property is exempt from conventional property taxation.
According to the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s 2025 Abstract of Ratables for Passaic County, Clifton reported $622,433,300 in tax-exempt property. The total includes public schools, government-owned property, religious and charitable institutions, cemeteries, educational institutions, and other legally exempt properties.
“These exemptions cover many important institutions that serve our community and are authorized under New Jersey law,” Anderson said. “At the same time, taxpayers deserve a clear and accessible accounting of the property that is exempt, the legal basis for each exemption, and whether the property continues to meet the requirements for that status.”
The exempt property represents approximately 10 percent of Clifton’s combined taxable and exempt assessed real-property value.
Anderson is proposing an annual Tax-Exempt Property and PILOT Transparency Report that would be made available to the public as part of the municipal budget process.
The report would provide information including:
- The location and assessed value of each tax-exempt parcel.
- The property’s exemption classification.
- The legal authority supporting the exemption.
- The owner or organization associated with the property.
- Any required certification or renewal information.
- Applicable Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT, agreements.
- Changes in ownership, property use, or exemption status.
“This should not be viewed as an effort to challenge legitimate exemptions for schools, churches, veterans organizations, charities, cemeteries, or public facilities,” Anderson said. “It is an effort to make sure Clifton maintains accurate records and gives residents a complete picture of the City’s tax base.”
New Jersey property-tax procedures provide mechanisms for municipal assessors to document exemptions and verify whether qualifying properties continue to satisfy statutory requirements.
Anderson also called for PILOT agreements and other tax-abatement arrangements to be clearly identified in the annual report so residents can understand how those agreements differ from conventional property taxation and what revenue the City receives from them.
“Property taxes are one of the largest financial concerns facing Clifton homeowners and businesses,” Anderson said. “A transparent municipal government should be able to show residents what property is taxable, what property is exempt, why those exemptions exist, and how special tax agreements affect municipal revenue.”
Anderson said the proposed reporting process would provide elected officials and taxpayers with better information when reviewing future budgets, development proposals, tax abatements, and municipal spending.
“Sound financial management begins with accurate information,” Anderson said. “Clifton residents should have that information available to them in a format that is understandable, complete, and easy to review.”
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Tafari K. Anderson
Candidate for Clifton City Council
Ballot #12
www.AndersonforClifton.com
Paid for by Friends for Tafari Anderson.