Hackensack Tax Collector Sets December 21 for 2026 Lien Sale
Unpaid property taxes and municipal charges become subject to the Accelerated Tax Sale process on November 11, following a 10-day grace period after the November 1 due date.
By Mariana Flores ·
The City of Hackensack will hold its 2026 Accelerated Tax Lien Sale on December 21, 2026. The sale targets unpaid property taxes and municipal charges that remain in arrears as of November 11, 2026. This date follows a 10-calendar-day grace period after the November 1 quarterly due date.
Tax Collector Chris Bahney’s office mailed the 2026 Final and 2027 Preliminary tax bills on September 16, 2026. The 2026 final tax rate stands at $3.530 per $100 of assessed value. The mailing included three remittance slips for the November 1, February 1, and May 1 payment dates.
Payments received after the grace period accrue interest at 8% per annum on the first $1,500 owed. Interest on amounts exceeding $1,500 accrues at 18% per annum. The city requires all property taxes and municipal charges to be current by November 10 to avoid additional costs associated with the lien sale process.
The office operates on a no-cash policy, effective August 18, 2020, per Ordinance #31-2021. Residents may pay by check via U.S. mail or through an online portal. A drop box at the Municipal Complex on State Street accepts payments Monday through Friday. State statute does not accept post office postmarks as proof of timely payment; funds must physically arrive at the office by the grace period deadline.
New property owners are advised to contact the office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to update ownership and mailing address information. County records may take three to six months to reflect deed changes. Failure to receive a bill does not excuse a taxpayer from the obligation to pay, per N.J.S.A. 54:4-64.
Potential bidders for the December 21 sale must register prior to the event. They must complete a Bidder Information Sheet and a W-9 Form, then email them to Assistant Tax Collector Xylia Dane. The office will issue a bidder number upon confirmation. Bidders may contact the Tax Collector’s office at 201-646-3927 for further details on the bidding process.
Taxpayers who do not pay may remain in their homes after the lien sale. They have two years from the sale date to redeem the lien. If they do not redeem it, the lien holder may begin foreclosure proceedings. The office charges a $20 fee for returned checks and $50 for lien redemption requests beyond the first two free submissions per calendar year.
Senior citizens aged 65 or older and veterans may qualify for a $250 annual deduction from their gross tax amount. A 100% permanently disabled veteran deduction grants full tax exemption. Applications for these deductions must be directed to the Tax Assessor’s office at 201-646-3924.
