Atlantic County, NJ Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps
Home to Pine Barrens ecosystems, Estell Manor Park, and the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge, Atlantic County has a population of about 279,000 residents. The county has about 173,000 residents and 23 municipalities covering about 556 square miles of land. If you need to access property records, start with the Atlantic County Clerk, Board of Taxation, municipal tax collectors, and municipal tax assessors. These offices maintain and provide access to documents under state law.
An average home in Atlantic County spends about 52 to 63 days on the local housing market before being sold. The local housing market benefits from a diverse economy led by tourism, logistics, employment, and agriculture. Single-family detached homes make up a significant portion of the housing market in communities such as Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township, Hammonton, and Mays Landing.
Recent housing records reveal the underlying factors influencing the local real estate market, with a median home value of $249,300 and a median rent of $1,389.5, alongside a median household income of $79,331.5 and a median real estate tax of 2.76, serving as a percentage of the property’s assessed value.
How to Look Up Atlantic County Property Records
There are designated webpages available to the public that allow you to search Atlantic County property records.
If You Need… | Use This Office | Free Online Portal |
|---|---|---|
A deed, mortgage, or lien | Atlantic County Clerk | |
Ownership or assessed value | Municipal assessor / Board of Taxation | |
A tax bill or to pay taxes | Municipal tax collector | Your town's website |
A parcel map or GIS layer | Office of Geographic Information Systems | |
A judgment or foreclosure | NJ Superior Court |
Who Keeps Atlantic County Property Records
Individuals can view or download copies of property records in Atlantic County under the provisions of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). Here is how the county offices share the responsibility:
The Atlantic County Clerk serves as the county's recording office for real estate documents. The office maintains deeds, mortgages, and other documents that affect interests in real property. Pursuant to the state’s Recording Act, the office records all land documents in the county. Keep in mind that the clerk’s office does not determine property values or issue tax bills. Similarly, it does not provide legal advice concerning property-related matters.
Municipal Tax Assessors: Local assessors in Atlantic County identify taxable property and determine its assessed value. They maintain assessment records and ownership histories for properties in their municipalities.
Municipal Tax Collectors: In Atlantic County, the tax collectors issue property tax bills to homeowners. They also collect property tax payments from renters and homeowners within their municipalities. Likewise, they conduct annual tax sales for unpaid property taxes under New Jersey law.
The Board of Taxation supervises the work of all municipal assessors to ensure assessments are done consistently in Atlantic County. It also maintains information on real estate sales and publishes equalization tables used in property tax appeals. In addition, it hears most local assessment appeals before they may be appealed to the New Jersey Tax Court.
How to Search Atlantic County Property Records Online
To search Atlantic County property records online, visit the official portals. Individuals can take the following steps to view the documents:
- Start with the Atlantic County Board of Taxation's Property Assessment Search Hub. Individuals can search for a property using the owner's name, property address, or block and lot number. The results can provide assessment, ownership, and sales information.
- Next, you can use the Public Search portal to view recorded documents. You can access these records using the current owner's name, instrument number, document type, or block and lot number. You may find records such as deeds, liens, mortgages, and other recorded instruments.
- You can confirm the current owner on the most recently recorded deed. Ensure the grantor’s name listed on one deed matches the grantee’s name shown on the previous deed. Any inconsistency in the chain of title is a red flag that may require additional title research.
- You can use the Public Search portal for liens, judgments, notices of lis pendens, and mortgages. Once you locate the deed, review the Realty Transfer Fee on the deed. This fee helps identify the consideration reported for the property's most recent transfer.
- Finally, contact the municipal tax collector to verify the property's current tax status. Keep in mind that each municipality administers property taxes. As such, the local tax collector can confirm outstanding balances, payment history, and other tax-account matters.
County Clerk: Deeds, Mortgages, and Liens
The Atlantic County Clerk records real estate documents in the county. These documents include deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, and other recorded instruments affecting real estate ownership. New Jersey uses mortgages rather than deeds of trust to secure real estate loans.
You can access historical land-record indexes dating back to 1837 through the Atlantic County Clerk's Office. For online document images, the Public Search portal provides access to records beginning in March 2000. Additional older records may be available by visiting the clerk's office in person.
Office | County Clerk |
|---|---|
Address: | 5901 Main Street, Mays Landing, NJ 08330-1701 |
Phone: | (609) 625-4011 |
Hours: | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM |
Search portal: | |
Search by: | Grantor, grantee, block and lot, document type, or recording date |
Assessors and the Board of Taxation: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data
The municipal tax assessors and the Atlantic County Board of Taxation have separate but related roles in administering property assessments. The local tax assessor determines the assessed value of property in their jurisdiction. The Board of Taxation oversees the work of all municipal assessors and maintains countywide property-tax information.
Office | Board of Taxation |
|---|---|
Address: | County Government Complex, 5909 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Mays Landing, NJ 08330 |
Phone: | (609) 645-5820 |
Hours: | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM |
Search portal: | |
Search by: | Municipality, owner name, address, or block and lot |
Tax Collectors: Taxes, Bills, and Payments
In Atlantic County, the municipality where the property is located bills and collects property taxes. Each municipality has its own tax collector, which issues tax bills, receives payments, maintains tax accounts, and handles delinquent property taxes.
Taxes, Bills, and Payments | Tax Collector |
|---|---|
Billed and collected by: | Municipal tax collector |
Quarterly due dates: | February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 |
Delinquency: | Sold at the municipality's annual tax sale |
Where to pay: | Your town's website or tax office |
Oversight: |
Property Tax in Atlantic County: Values, Exemptions, and Appeals
In Atlantic County, a total tax bill generally includes taxes imposed by the municipality, county, school district, and any applicable special taxing districts. Keep in mind that tax rates vary by municipality; Atlantic County has no single countywide property tax. However, the average tax rate across municipalities in the county ranges from about 0.7% to 3.4% of a property’s assessed value.
Assessed Value and the Equalization Ratio
Each tax assessor is responsible for assessing property within its jurisdiction. The Atlantic County Board of Taxation publishes annual equalization ratios that compare assessed values with estimated true values. These ratios compare assessed values with actual real estate sales in each municipality. They are also used when reviewing property tax appeals.
Exemptions and Tax Relief Programs
Eligible homeowners and renters in Atlantic County can benefit from several tax relief programs. Eligibility depends on each program's specific requirements. These programs can help lower property taxes for qualifying applicants.
Program | What It Does |
|---|---|
ANCHOR program | Qualified homeowners who are at least 65 years old and individuals receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits may qualify for this tax relief. However, they must meet the program’s requirements, including using the property as their primary residence. To qualify for this exemption, homeowners must meet an income requirement of $250,000 or less. Renters must have an income of $150,000 or less to qualify for this exclusion. Keep in mind that senior and eligible disabled applicants typically use Form PAS-1 to apply for the ANCHOR program. However, applicants under age 65 who do not qualify for PAS-1 typically apply for ANCHOR through the state’s regular filing process. |
Senior Freeze (PTR) | To qualify for this program, applicants must be at least 65 years old or receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement disability benefits. Such applicants must own and occupy the home as a primary residence for about three years. In addition, their combined annual income must not exceed about $168,000 to $172,000. This depends on the applicable income limits set by the New Jersey Division of Taxation for the relevant years. The property must be subject to local property taxes, and applicants must satisfy all other eligibility requirements to receive a reimbursement. |
Veteran and senior deductions | A qualified homeowner may receive an annual $250 property tax deduction on their principal residence. Such applicant must be 65 years of age or older, permanently and totally disabled, or an unmarried surviving spouse age 55 or older. The applicant must be a New Jersey resident who owns and occupies the home as a principal residence. They must also meet the program's $10,000 income limit and file a Form PTD with the municipal tax assessor or tax collector. Be aware that this excludes certain Social Security numbers, as well as pension, disability, and retirement benefits. |
Disabled veteran exemption | An eligible applicant must be an honorably discharged veteran with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Also, eligible unmarried surviving spouses of qualified disabled veterans or service members who died while on active duty may qualify. The applicant must own and permanently occupy the home as a principal residence in New Jersey and file Form D.V.S.S.E. with the municipal tax assessor. Once approved, the applicant receives a full property tax exemption on the qualifying home and the eligible land on which it is located. |
Stay NJ program | This program provides property tax relief to qualifying homeowners who are at least 65 years old. For the 2025 tax year, applicants must have an income of $200,000 or less and must have owned and occupied the home as their principal residence for the full year. Eligible homeowners earning $100,000 or less may receive up to $6,500. Those earning more than $100,000 but not more than $150,000 may receive up to $5,000. Applicants who earn more than $150,000 but not more than $200,000 may receive up to $4,000. In addition, you must file Form PAS-1 with the New Jersey Division of Taxation to apply for the benefit. |
Appealing Your Assessment
If you believe your property's assessed value is incorrect, you may file an appeal with the Atlantic County Board of Taxation. Evidence such as recent comparable sales, an appraisal, and other relevant property information can help support your appeal. If you disagree with the Board's decision, you may appeal the matter to the New Jersey Tax Court.
GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer
Atlantic County hosts its Geographic Information System (GIS) and land descriptions on the GIS Web Map Viewer as well as static maps. These resources can help you locate properties, examine surrounding areas, and view available geographic and property-related data. Keep in mind that Atlantic County's GIS maps are intended primarily as informational and mapping resources. Therefore, GIS information should not be treated as a substitute for a licensed survey or the official recorded land records.
On the other hand, you can use the New Jersey Geographic Information Network (NJGIN) to access statewide parcel mapping and property information.
Tax Sales and Foreclosure
Foreclosure processes involving properties in Atlantic County can include tax-sale certificate foreclosures and mortgage foreclosures.
Tax-Sale Certificates
If your property taxes remain unpaid, the municipality may sell a tax-sale certificate to recover delinquent taxes. The certificate gives the purchaser a lien against the property, not ownership. At the tax sale, bidders generally compete by offering the lowest interest rate they are willing to accept. If the property owner later redeems the certificate before foreclosure, a redemption penalty of 2%, 4%, or 6% may apply, depending on the amount of the original certificate, in addition to applicable interest.
A tax-sale certificate holder may begin foreclosure proceedings after the statutory two-year period has passed. The municipality can pursue in rem foreclosure after six months. Should the foreclosure be successful, the certificate holder or local municipality may ultimately obtain ownership of the property.
Mortgage Foreclosure
Mortgage foreclosures in Atlantic County are handled through the New Jersey Superior Court. Once a foreclosure judgment has been entered and a writ of execution authorizes a sale, the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office conducts the foreclosure auction. As a result of changes in the state’s foreclosure laws, a former property owner may be entitled to any surplus equity remaining after a tax foreclosure.
Costs to Access Property Records
Pursuant to state law, individuals must pay certain fees to record or get copies of Atlantic County property records:
Service | Fee |
|---|---|
Online record search | Free |
Copy at the counter | $2 per page |
Certified copy | $2.00 per page, plus $5.00 certification fee |
Recording a deed | $40.00 for the first page; $10.00 for each additional page. |
Realty Transfer Fee (paid by seller) | Based on the consideration and the fee schedule established by N.J.S.A. 46:15-7 |
Graduated Percent Fee (paid by buyer) | For qualifying transfers over $1 million, the seller pays a graduated fee of about 1% to 3.5%, depending on the total consideration. |
How to Record a Document
If you want to record a deed or other real estate instrument in Atlantic County, prepare the document according to New Jersey recording requirements:
Begin by preparing the document: Ensure it complies with state requirements. The document should include the owner’s name, the property's legal description, and the applicable block and lot number. Keep in mind that an additional $20 fee may apply if the required coversheet or electronic synopsis is not included with the document.
Calculate the recording fees: A document transferring ownership may require a payment of the Realty Transfer Fee, which is typically paid by the seller. Be aware that a Form RTF-1 is used when a full or partial exemption from the Realty Transfer Fee is claimed. If the transaction qualifies under state law, the buyer may also be responsible for the 1% Mansion Tax on purchases exceeding $1 million.
Submit the completed documents: You can submit the completed documents to the Atlantic County Clerk’s Office. You can submit these documents either in person or via approved eRecording vendors such as ePN, CSC, and Simplifile. Once the document is accepted, the clerk records and indexes it in the county's land records system. Afterward, the original document is returned to you.
Obtain a copy of the Recorded Document: After recording, the clerk’s office posts the recorded documents to the online index within a short processing window.
FAQs
Yes. In accordance with the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), anyone can access property records in Atlantic County.
Individuals can search the Property Assessment Search Hub index using the property’s address, owner’s name, or block and lot number.
Yes. Anyone can search Atlantic County property records using an address or block and lot on the Public Search and the Property Assessment Search Hub webpages.
An equalization ratio compares the average assessed value of property in a municipality with its estimated true market value. The Atlantic County Tax Board uses the applicable ratio when evaluating the fairness of an assessment. You can therefore consider the ratio when reviewing or appealing a property assessment.
Property records in Atlantic County date back to 1837. You can access these records from 2000 to the present through the Public Search webpage.
Quick Reference: Your Atlantic County Property Records Checklist
If You Want To… | Do This |
|---|---|
Verify ownership | Anyone can search for a property with its address on the Property Assessment Search Hub index. In addition, you can confirm ownership by carefully reviewing the latest deed using the Public Search webpage. |
Pull a deed copy | Search the Public Search webpage using the owner’s name, document type, instrument number, or book and page number. In addition, you may search certified copies from the Atlantic County Clerk’s Office for a nominal fee. |
Check the tax bill | You can contact the municipal tax collector for the town where the property sits. |
Appeal your assessment | You can file an appeal with the Atlantic County Board of Taxation by April 1. If the issue is not resolved, appeal to the New Jersey Tax Court. |
Claim relief | Individuals can apply for ANCHOR or Senior Freeze with the state, or file veteran and senior deductions with your town. |
Record a new document | Prepare the deed in the required format. Also, include the signed and notarized deed, the completed RTF-1 Realty Transfer Fee Affidavit of Consideration, and the applicable recording fees. Then, submit the documents to the Passaic County Clerk for recording. |
Key Contacts and Official Portals
Office | Details |
|---|---|
Atlantic County Clerk | 5901 Main Street, Mays Landing, NJ 08330-1701, (609) 625-4011, County Clerk’s portal. |
Atlantic County Board of Taxation | 5909 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, (609) 645-5820, Board of Taxation portal |
Municipal Tax Collector/Assessor | You can contact the town where the property is located |
NJ Superior Court (foreclosure/judgments) | |
NJ Division of Taxation (relief programs) |