What type of liens always takes precedence over an already recorded mortgage?

Liens for property taxes take precedence over an already recorded mortgage due to the principle of priority in lien placement. Property tax liens are considered superpriority liens, which means they are first in line when it comes to claims against a property. Even if a mortgage was recorded before the tax lien was filed, tax liens will supersede the mortgage because they are deemed a public obligation owed to the government. This is rooted in the government's interest in ensuring that tax revenues are collected, which finances essential public services.

In contrast, other types of liens, such as construction liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens, typically follow the order of recording and will not have priority over property tax liens. This highlights the unique nature of tax liens and reinforces their vital role in municipal finance and governance.