How do I check for tax liens in NJ?

Whether you're buying a home, selling a property, or resolving a tax issue, discovering a tax lien in New Jersey can raise serious red flags. Tax liens can delay real estate transactions, hurt credit, and cost thousands in payoff fees. If you're asking, "How do I check for tax liens in NJ?", this step-by-step guide is for you.

We’ll walk you through how to search for tax liens in NJ using state and county tools, understand what the results mean, and resolve any active liens the right way — with screenshots, checklists, and insider tips you won’t find elsewhere.

📞 Need Help? Call the NJ Division of Taxation at 609-292-5300 Or Call Precision Accounting intl at (973) 956-1040

What Is a Tax Lien in NJ?

A tax lien is a legal claim the government places on your assets due to unpaid taxes. In New Jersey, this often takes the form of a Certificate of Debt (COD) filed by the NJ Division of Taxation. Once filed, it becomes a Docketed Judgment through the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, allowing the state to collect via levies, wage garnishment, or property seizure.

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Key Terms to Know:

• Certificate of Debt (COD): A formal record of unpaid NJ taxes.
• Docketed Judgment: The court-recorded version of a COD, which becomes public.
• Tax Sale Certificate: Issued when municipal taxes are unpaid and sold at auction.
• Redemption: The process of repaying a lien holder to remove the tax lien.
• Subordination Request: A formal request to allow another lien (e.g., mortgage) to take priority over the state’s.

State Tax Liens vs Federal Tax Liens

Not all tax liens are created equal. Here's the breakdown:

Important: This guide focuses on New Jersey State Tax Liens. Federal tax liens must be searched through county-level deed offices or with an IRS request.

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Three Ways to Check for Tax Liens in NJ

A. NJ Division of Taxation Online Lookup (Judgment Search)

The Judgment Search Portal lets you check for Certificate of Debt (COD) judgments filed by the NJ Division of Taxation.

Step-by-Step:

1. Visit: https://www.njportal.com/DOR/jsp/
2. Create an account (if needed).
3. Search by name (individual or business).
4. Optional: Use DOB or address for more accurate results.
5. Results will show:
   
   • Docket number
   • Amount owed
   • Filing date
   • Creditor (e.g., Division of Taxation)
   • Court of record (e.g., Mercer County Superior Court)

Use full legal name and verify against date of birth for accuracy.

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B. NJ Courts Judgment Search Portal

Another option is through the Superior Court Clerk’s Judgment Search system.

How to Access:

1. Go to: https://portal.njcourts.gov
2. Navigate to “Judgment Lien Public Access”
3. Perform search:
   
   
   • By party name
   • By docket number (if known)
   • By county

This system includes docketed CODs, civil judgments, and bank levy actions.

This tool may return liens unrelated to taxes — make sure the creditor is the Division of Taxation.

C. County Clerk Search (By Property Address)

To find property tax liens (from unpaid property taxes, not income/sales tax), search through your County Clerk’s online records system.

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Fees range from $0–$15 per search/download depending on county.

Popular County Clerk Sites in NJ:

• Hudson County: hudsoncountyclerk.org
• Middlesex County: middlesexcountynj.gov
• Bergen County: bergencountyclerk.org

How to Interpret What You Find

When you locate a lien or COD:

• Docket Number: Use this to reference or dispute the debt.
• Filing Date: Tax liens remain active up to 20 years in NJ (statute of limitations).
• Creditor Name: “State of NJ Division of Taxation” confirms it's a tax lien.
• Judgment Status: “Open” means still active. “Satisfied” means paid and resolved.

If the lien has a “Release” filed, it's no longer valid — but may still show up unless expunged.

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How to Remove or Resolve a Tax Lien

A. Pay It Off

1. Call the NJ Division of Taxation Judgments Unit at 609-292-5300.
2. Request a Payoff Request Form.
3. Submit payment via certified check or money order.
4. After payment, request a Release of Lien.

B. Request Subordination

• Use Form “A-3730” to request subordination if you’re refinancing or selling.

C. Dispute Inaccuracies

• File a formal dispute if the lien is incorrect.
• You may also appeal with the Tax Court of New Jersey.

Lien release typically takes 30–45 business days.

Timing, Fees & Common Mistakes

Typical Fees

• Judgment Search Portal: Free
• County Clerk Records: Free–$15
• Payoff Fees: Varies by lien amount + interest

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Searching only at county level (and missing state tax liens)
• Ignoring Daniel’s Law privacy blocks (records hidden for public officials)
• Misreading “Satisfied” liens as still active
• Delays in requesting release after payment
   

Tips for Homebuyers & Title Companies

• Always request a tax lien search during due diligence.
• Check both personal liens and property-based liens.
• Include searches from all prior owners if possible.
• Use a title company with NJ experience.

Business owners should also understand that business tax services can help prevent corporate tax liens from occurring.

Pre-Purchase Lien Search Checklist:

• Search Judgment Portal by buyer/seller names
• Search County Clerk property records
• Confirm lien status: open vs satisfied
• Download payoff form (if needed)
• Contact Tax Division if lien found
• Schedule title review before closing

FAQs

Will a NJ tax lien appear on my credit report?

No. Since 2018, tax liens are no longer reported by the three major credit bureaus.

Can I search anonymously?

Yes, you do not need to log in unless downloading court documents.

How long does a NJ tax lien stay active?

Up to 20 years from filing unless satisfied or released.

What if I find a lien under someone else’s name on my property?

Contact the County Clerk and NJ Division of Taxation to investigate ownership records and potential identity errors.

Conclusion

Checking for tax liens in New Jersey doesn't have to be confusing. Whether you're safeguarding your home purchase, resolving a tax bill, or reviewing public records, this guide empowers you to:

• Search smart across state and county systems
• Understand what a Certificate of Debt or judgment lien means
• Navigate the payoff and release process confidently

Ready to act? Use the checklist above, and start your lien search today with the NJ Judgment Portal.