What happens once a lien has been sold on the property?

The person who purchased the lien will receive a legal document referred to as a "tax certificate" which must be recorded with the Middlesex County Clerk. The certificate must be held for 2 years from the date of sale. After 2 years they may start to foreclose on the property. The homeowner has the right to redeem the tax sale certificate any time prior to the final judgment being filed.


Learn more about tax sales (PDF).

Show All Answers

1. When will I receive a new tax bill?
2. How are taxes computed?
3. I need to change my address, or mortgage information. What should I do?
4. I don’t have a tax bill. Why am I charged interest?
5. What is a tax sale? Can I buy property at the tax sale?
6. How do I pay off a lien?
7. What programs are available to reduce taxes?
8. How should I make out my check?
9. How should I pay my tax / utility bill?
10. What happens if I do not pay the utility bill?
11. What happens once a lien has been sold on a property?
12. What is the tax bill interest rate?
13. My mortgage company pays my taxes, what are my responsibilities?
14. What do I need to do if I refinance or sell my home?
15. I receive a senior citizen deduction on my property, is there anything I need to do to maintain this deduction?
16. What happens if I do not pay the property taxes?
17. Who buys these liens? (If I do not pay the property taxes.)
18. What happens once a lien has been sold on the property?