Quick answerNew Jersey sells tax lien certificates for unpaid property taxes. Lien buyers can earn Up to 18% per year, bid down from 18% (N.J.S.A. 54:5-32); when bidding reaches 0%, bidders compete by premium instead (see notes). Additional statutory penalties on larger certificates and interest on subsequent taxes paid are governed by §§ 54:5-32 to 54:5-34 and 54:5-58 to 54:5-60. Redemption: 2 years from the date of sale — a third-party certificate holder may not file a foreclosure complaint until 2 years after the sale (N.J.S.A. 54:5-86); redemption remains available until foreclosure judgment Sales: Each of New Jersey's 564 municipalities must hold a tax sale at least annually if it has delinquencies; dates are set municipality by municipality, year-round, with many sales in the fall Governing law: N.J.S.A. 54:5-1 et seq. (Tax Sale Law), esp. §§ 54:5-19, 54:5-32, 54:5-33, 54:5-86.