Facing Tax Foreclosure in Westwood, New Jersey? Know Your Rights
No one plans to fall behind on property taxes. But if you are a homeowner in Westwood, Bergen County, and you are facing delinquent tax bills, it is critical to understand what happens next.
How Tax Lien Certificates Work in Westwood
Unlike states that auction properties for unpaid taxes, New Jersey operates at the municipal level. Westwood'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 Bergen County, Westwood handles its own tax sales independently. Your first call should be to the Municipal Tax Collector's office in Westwood.
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 Bergen 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 Westwood 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 Westwood and throughout Bergen County, including surplus fund research and connections to legal resources.
Your home, your equity, your rights. Visit AuctionBlock.org for free, company help with surplus fund recovery in New Jersey.
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.