Research

Scope and Content Note

The series includes letterpress copies (1892-1964) and typed carbons (1964-1986) of certificates stating that a search and examination of the books of the Comptroller's Office (later Dept. of Taxation and Finance) were made, by a competent clerk, for instances of unpaid taxes and tax sales upon/against a particular parcel of land.

In addition to certifying that a search was done, each certificate either states that no unpaid taxes or tax sales were found, or lists very specifically (by sale year) the results of the search. If found, data include lot and acreage; transaction, sale, or payment; amount paid; payee, owner, and heirs; redemptions; cancellation of sales; and conveyances.

Each certificate concludes with a statement that the State Tax Commission has affixed its official seal to the original; the signature of the Deputy Tax Commissioner; date; and a statement that the search should also be made at the office of the treasurer of the county in which the property is located.

The volume for searches conducted ca.1893-1894 is missing.