When the tax collection rate has been affected by refunds and adjustments from successful tax appeals, Local Budget Law allows how many years to be used to calculate RUT?

In the context of Local Budget Law in New Jersey, when tax collection rates are influenced by refunds and adjustments stemming from successful tax appeals, municipalities are permitted to utilize a three-year averaging period to calculate the Revenue Under Taxation (RUT). This practice is in place to smooth out fluctuations in revenue that can occur due to these appeals, which might otherwise distort the financial picture of a municipality in a given year.

Using a three-year period allows municipalities to account for variability in tax collections over a more extended period, enabling them to create a more stable and accurate budget forecast. This approach helps ensure that the impacts of one-time adjustments, such as large refunds due to successful appeals, do not disproportionately skew the municipality's financial data and planning.

Considering the rules set forth in Local Budget Law, the correct three-year timeframe is established to balance the revenue collected against the possible variances influenced by external factors like tax appeals.