TAX SEARCHER
In New Jersey, Tax Searcher is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
Qualifying turns on 2 years of relevant experience.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under direction, searches tax records to ascertain debts and other factors; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
- Searches the records of the tax collector to note unpaid tax accounts, assessments, or liens on property, sales of property, and other municipal liens against property.
- Reviews tax search applications.
- Makes official certificates of searches for municipal liens.
- Prepares reports showing tax arrearages.
- Maintains essential records and files.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Two (2) years of specialized clerical experience involving a knowledge of tax records and procedures.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of procedures used in making tax searches.
- Knowledge of the form and content of tax collection records.
- Knowledge of methods of computing taxes.
- Knowledge of the preparation of official certificates of tax searches.
- Ability to work independently with considerable skill in obtaining pertinent tax data from records.
- Ability to take and maintain a firm and correct stand when controversies arise.
- Ability to prepare reports.
- Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.