Morris County, NJsheriff sales & tax auctions

A tax sale certificate -- a lien, not the property: 'At the tax sale, title to the delinquent property itself is not sold' (NJ Division of Local Government Services). The certificate is sold 'subject to redemption at the lowest rate of interest, but in no case in excess of 18% per annum' (N.J.S.A. 54:5-32). Title comes only through a later Superior Court foreclosure of the right of redemption.

Redemption

The owner, heirs, prior certificate holder, mortgagee or occupant may redeem 'at any time until the right to redeem has been cut off' by foreclosure judgment (N.J.S.A. 54:5-54). A private holder may file to foreclose only after 2 years from the sale date; a municipality after 6 months; certified abandoned property at any time (N.J.S.A. 54:5-86).

Deposit

No deposit-and-balance structure: 'the winning bidder must immediately pay (pursuant to the local restrictions) the municipality the taxes and interest to date' and receives the certificate in exchange (DLGS). Any premium bid is also paid to the municipality and held on deposit without interest.

Balance due

Immediately at the close of the sale, on terms set by the municipal tax collector (DLGS).

To bid

Municipality-specific. The state guide tells bidders to contact the tax collector for local payment restrictions before the sale (DLGS).

Where

Each of New Jersey's municipalities holds its own sale through its tax collector; the law requires at least one tax sale per year where delinquencies exist (N.J.S.A. 54:5-19; DLGS).

When

Annual per municipality: a standard sale in the fiscal year after the taxes went unpaid, or an accelerated sale in the last month of the same fiscal year (N.J.S.A. 54:5-19).

Rules checked 2026-09-17 against codes.findlaw.com, nj.gov. Terms vary by county — confirm Morris County's own notice and the linked source before you bid. Not legal advice.