By Equity Smart Realty, Inc

1. Understand the Lien Sale Process

A tax lien sale occurs when the city sells the right to collect unpaid property taxes, water and sewer charges, and other property-related charges to an authorized buyer. This does not mean the property itself is sold, but failure to address the lien can lead to foreclosure proceedings

2. Pay Outstanding Charges

The most direct way to avoid the lien sale is to pay the amount owed in full. Payments can be made online via CityPay for property taxes and related charges, or through the Department of Environmental Protection for water and sewer charges. Payments must be received and processed by May 19, 2025. 

3. Enter into a Payment Plan

If paying the full amount is not feasible, property owners can enter into a payment plan with the Department of Finance. Options include:

• Standard Payment Plan: Available to all property owners, allowing for monthly or quarterly payments over a period of up to 10 years. 

• Property Tax and Interest Deferral (PT AID) Program: Designed for homeowners experiencing financial hardship. Eligibility criteria include owning a one- to three-family home or condominium unit, using the property as a primary residence for at least one year, and having a combined income of $107,300 or less. 
• PT AID “Circuit Breaker” Plan: For homeowners whose property tax exceeds 10% of their income and whose property has an assessed value of $250,000 or less. 

Enrollment in these plans must be completed by May 19, 2025. 

4. Apply for Property Tax Exemptions

Certain exemptions can remove a property from the lien sale list Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE): For homeowners aged 65 or older with a combined income of $58,399 or less. 

• Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE): For homeowners with disabilities meeting specific income criteria.
• Veterans Exemption: For eligible veterans or their family members.
• Not-for-Profit Exemption: For properties owned by qualifying non-profit organizations.

Applications for these exemptions should be submitted promptly to ensure processing before the deadline. 

5. Utilize the Lien Sale Easy Exit Program

Homeowners may be eligible to have their property removed from the lien sale for one year by applying to the Lien Sale Easy Exit Program. Eligibility criteria include:

• Owning a one- to three-family home or condominium unit. 
• Using the property as a primary residence for the past 12 months. 
• Not owning any other properties in New York City. 
• Having a combined annual income of $107,300 or less.
• Applications must be submitted by May 19, 2025. 

6. Submit an Emergency Repair Certification

If the only outstanding charges are related to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Emergency Repair Program, homeowners may submit an Emergency Repair Certification to be removed from the lien sale for one year. 

7. Seek Assistance

The City offers resources to help homeowners navigate the lien sale process:

• Call 311: For general information and assistance. 
• Center for NYC Neighborhoods: Provides referrals to housing counselors and legal experts. Call (646) 786-0888 or visit cnycn.org/get-help. 
• Department of Finance Business Centers: Offer extended hours from May 12 through May 16, 2025, to assist lien sale customers. 

Conclusion

To avoid the 2025 lien sale, property owners must act by May 19, 2025. Whether by paying outstanding charges, entering into a payment plan, applying for exemptions, or utilizing available programs, timely action is crucial. For more information, visit nyc.gov/liensale or call 311.