A lien on your property may exist if charges or fines owed to the City remain unpaid, such as system development charges, taxes, judgements, and City sponsored loans or grants. When a lien is issued, the City has a financial claim on your property. Liens affect your ability to sell your property, and must be paid in full before ownership of the property can be transferred. Most liens accrue interest over time.

Request a Payoff Document Online

To perform a lien search and request a payoff document online, log in and use the online service. You can search for a lien using the property tax lot ID number, address number, or street name.

If you are a new user, you will need to first create an account with Net Assets Corporation by contacting support@nassets.com or by calling (541) 485-8876. This service is commonly used by title companies, escrow agents, financial institutions, real estate professionals or others who plan to use this service frequently. Net Assets will notify the City of your request to view our lien docket electronically and upon City approval you will be able to complete your searches online.

Request a Manual Lien Search and Payoff Document

To request a manual lien search and receive a payoff document created by City staff, submit a completed payoff request form. It may take up to five business days to receive your payoff document.

Payoff Document Fees

There is a charge associated with each electronic search you perform or manual search you request. For example, if you request a payoff amount for two different dates for the same address, you will be charged two separate fees. Please note that for every additional search you perform, that you will be charged according to the following rates: $32 for each online search and $58 for each manual search. No payment is necessary at the time of your request or search. You will receive a bill in the mail from the City approximately one month after you receive the payoff document. Lien search fees are reviewed on an annual basis and adopted by the City Council each June.

If you are a loan holder and wish to know the balance of your loan, please contact Accounts Receivable. There is no charge to you for this service.

Pay a Lien or Loan

To ensure your payment is posted on the date of your payoff document, you are encouraged to pay in person at the Customer Service Center at Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty Street SE, Salem, Oregon.

Paying in person ensures the interest calculation and payoff total is exact, so you can avoid an overpayment or underpayment.

You can mail a check to the City’s Finance Office. Receiving your payment on a different day than the date listed on your payoff document will result in an overpayment or underpayment.

You can drop off your payment at a secure drop box, but should allow up to three business days to process with this payment method. Drop boxes are located:

• City of Salem Civic Center, Liberty Street SE drive-through, Salem, OR
• In front of the City’s Customer Service Center, 555 Liberty Street SE
• At the West Salem Public Library, 395 Glen Creek Road NW