SOMERSET COUNTY, N.J. — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. hosted a roundtable discussion in Somerset County this week focused on the impact of the expanded State and Local Tax deduction for New Jersey homeowners.
The event brought together realtors, certified public accountants, mayors and local elected officials to discuss how the increased deduction cap — raised from $10,000 to $40,000 — could affect middle-class families and the housing market.
“I stood up to every Democrat in Washington, DC as well as my own party’s leadership and won. Now every middle-class family in New Jersey has their full state and local tax deduction restored,” said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “From day one, this has been my top priority and I am proud to say I got it done. I will not stop working for a more affordable, more secure, and more prosperous future for New Jersey.”
Kean led the effort in Congress to quadruple the SALT deduction cap as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts (H.R.1), which was signed into law July 4, 2025. The higher cap is in effect for the 2025 tax year, allowing taxpayers who itemize to claim up to $40,000 in state and local taxes when filing returns.
Participants at the roundtable discussed how the restored deduction could ease financial pressure in a state with some of the highest property taxes in the nation.
“Affordability is top of mind for all New Jerseyans right now. We thank Congressman Kean for continuing to highlight our state’s high property taxes, and for recognizing the meaningful impact that increasing the SALT Deduction could have on homeowners and families across the state,” said Doug Tomson, CEO of New Jersey Realtors®.
“Many people don’t realize how much of an impact the increased SALT Deduction is going to have. When families see a bigger refund this tax season, they’re going to ask, ‘How did this happen?’ The answer is simple: they can now deduct up to $40,000 in state and local taxes instead of being capped at $10,000. That is a significant difference for middle-class homeowners, and it is a direct result of Congressman Kean’s fight to restore the SALT Deduction,” said Steve Oroho, former New Jersey State Senate Republican leader, CPA, and certified financial planner.
“The increased SALT Deduction is terrific for New Jersey taxpayers. I appreciate Congressman Kean sharing with us today his efforts to secure this deduction. I was particularly impressed by his nuanced approach to the issue and his determination to make sure this provision survived in the final legislation. I want to thank him for his leadership on this issue,” said E. Martin Davidoff, CPA, Esq., Prager Metis CPAs.
“Thank you, Congressman Kean, for your hard work in restoring the SALT Deduction. This represents enormous savings for our residents and makes a real difference in our efforts to make New Jersey more affordable. With average property taxes well exceeding $10,000 per household in Warren Township, the impact of this restoration cannot be overstated,” said Vanessa Kian, deputy mayor of Warren Township.
“I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Congressman Kean, tax professionals, and local realtors to discuss the increased SALT Deduction. I thank Congressman Kean for leading the fight in Congress to quadruple the deduction from $10,000 to $40,000. This will deliver significant savings for residents in Hillsborough and across our state. I look forward to continuing to partner together to make our region more affordable for families,” said Committeeman Robert Britting Jr., Hillsborough Township.
“Thank you, Congressman Kean, for getting the job done and delivering an increased SALT Deduction for New Jersey families. Our residents have been hit with affordability challenges from all angles, but this change will make a real difference in their tax savings. By working together with leaders at every level of government, we will continue working to make our communities more affordable,” said Mayor Larry Jacobs, Bedminster Township.
“This SALT Roundtable was a productive conversation about real solutions to affordability and the total cost of homeownership in New Jersey. The substantial increase in deductibility of taxes paid will have a very positive impact on Bridgewater residents. It’s wonderful to be working with Congressman Kean and other leaders to deliver real change for our community,” said Councilman Michael Kirsh, Bridgewater Township.
New Jersey has the highest average property taxes in the nation, with many Somerset County homeowners paying more than $10,000 annually. Under the previous cap, taxpayers were limited in how much of those payments they could deduct on their federal returns. Supporters of the expanded cap say the change will increase refunds and provide financial relief to homeowners across the state.
