Facing Tax Foreclosure in Lawnside, New Jersey? Know Your Rights
For homeowners in Lawnside 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.
How Tax Lien Certificates Work in Lawnside
Unlike states that auction properties for unpaid taxes, New Jersey operates at the municipal level. Lawnside's Municipal Tax Collector manages the process. When taxes become delinquent, the Borough holds a Tax Lien Certificate sale where investors purchase certificates representing the debt. This does not transfer your property.
As a community in Camden County, Lawnside handles its own tax sales independently. Your first call should be to the Municipal Tax Collector's office in Lawnside.
The Redemption Period
After a lien certificate is sold, you have a redemption period to pay off the amount plus interest and remove the lien. If the period passes, the certificate holder can petition the Camden County Superior Court to foreclose on your right of redemption. Do not ignore notices.
Your Surplus Fund Rights
The Supreme Court's 2023 Tyler v. Hennepin decision confirmed that keeping tax sale surplus beyond the debt owed violates the Constitution. New Jersey's July 2024 reform law now prohibits municipalities from retaining surplus equity from tax foreclosure -- a major change for Lawnside homeowners. Previously, tax lien certificate foreclosures did not produce surplus for owners. The new law changes that. You have three years under N.J.S.A. 46:30B-7 to claim before funds are presumed abandoned.
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 Lawnside and throughout Camden 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.