Facing Tax Foreclosure in Deerfield, New Jersey? Know Your Rights
For homeowners in Deerfield struggling with unpaid property taxes, the road ahead may feel uncertain. Understanding how the local tax process works can help you take the right steps before it is too late.
What Happens During a Tax Sale in Deerfield
In Deerfield, the Township's Municipal Tax Collector handles property tax collection. When taxes go unpaid, Deerfield conducts a Tax Lien Certificate sale -- investors bid on the right to pay your tax debt and receive a lien certificate. This is not a sale of your home. You retain ownership and the right to redeem.
Contact Deerfield's Municipal Tax Collector to understand what you owe. Cumberland County may also have assistance programs for homeowners in distress.
Your Right to Redeem
New Jersey law gives homeowners a redemption period after a tax lien certificate is sold. You can pay the lien amount plus interest to clear the certificate and keep your home. Once the redemption period expires, the certificate holder can begin foreclosure through the Cumberland County Superior Court.
Surplus Funds and Tyler v. Hennepin
In Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that governments cannot keep surplus proceeds from tax sales beyond what is owed. New Jersey responded with a 2024 reform law prohibiting retention of surplus equity from tax foreclosure. For homeowners in Deerfield, this means you may have a right to surplus equity if your property is lost through tax lien foreclosure. Under N.J.S.A. 46:30B-7, unclaimed surplus is presumed abandoned after three years. Act promptly.
Free Help from AuctionBlock.org
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company dedicated to helping homeowners navigate tax foreclosure. We provide free assistance to homeowners in Deerfield and throughout Cumberland County, including surplus fund research and connections to legal resources.
AuctionBlock.org provides surplus fund recovery assistance. Visit auctionblock.org to find out if money from your property may be owed to you.
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed New Jersey attorney. Last updated: April 2026.