Why are tax rates determined so late in the calendar year?

The reason the tax rate is not known at the beginning of each calendar year is because each unit must establish their budget so we know how much to collect. The Board of Chosen Freeholders is responsible for the Burlington County budget, the Mayor and Township Committee determine the municipal budget and the Hainesport Township Board of Education and the Rancocas Valley Regional High School Board develops the school district budget. Registered voters are responsible for voting on the school district budget in April each year. The earliest that the total tax rate is known in any municipality is usually some time in June. Municipalities that apply for state aid have to wait until after the state budget is adopted, by June 30, to strike a tax rate.