Code: DOF (government agency)
Description: NYC (Department of Finance) - handles property tax bills, tax classes, exemptions, and the ACRIS system for recording deeds and mortgages. If you do not pay your property taxes, water charges, or ECB fines, DOF can place a lien on your property or sell that lien to a private collection company.
Practical Meaning: When you receive an ECB fine for a DOB, FDNY, or DEP violation, you pay that fine through DOF, not through the agency that issued the violation. If you owe at least $5,000 in property taxes for three years or more, DOF may include your property in the annual tax lien sale. Once your lien is sold, the buyer can charge up to 18% interest compounded daily and can eventually foreclose on your home if you do not pay.
Where You May See It: You may see DOF mentioned on ECB hearing decisions that tell you how to pay your fine, on property tax bills and water bills, in notices about unpaid fines or taxes, on the tax lien sale list published annually by the city, and on property lien search reports during a refinance or sale.
Why It Matters: Unpaid ECB fines accrue 6% interest compounded annually and can block your ability to renew permits, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, or sell your property until paid. Unpaid property taxes or water bills can lead to a tax lien sale, which adds steep interest and fees and puts your home at risk of foreclosure. DOF also reports unpaid debt to collection agencies and can use sheriffs or marshals to collect.