eFiling in the Land Court

As of June 1, 2023, eFiling is mandatory for attorneys in the Tax Lien (TL) and Servicemembers (SM) case types.  Unless an exemption applies, attorneys will no longer be permitted to file documents in TL or SM cases by paper at the Land Court Recorder’s Office or via mail. 

For more information, refer to Land Court Standing Order 2-23: Implementation of mandatory electronic filing for attorneys in certain case types in the Land Court Department. A training video on eFiling in the TL case type is available below. 

As of June 1, 2023, Miscellaneous, Permit Session, Servicemembers, and Tax Lien cases can be electronically filed with the Land Court department. All other case types must be filed by mail or in person.  

Also beginning on June 1, 2023, eFiling will become mandatory for attorneys in Servicemembers and Tax Lien cases. eFiling will remain optional for self-represented litigants.

Tyler Technologies is the provider of the Odyssey File and Serve system in which eFiling occurs in the Massachusetts state courts. The website is www.efilema.com. Prior to submitting electronic filings, the filer must register (e.g. provide contact information) and set up a payment account.

Refer to Land Court Standing Order 1-23: Land Court Department electronic filing procedures, standards, and guidelines, for information about the specific requirements for submitting electronic filings with the Land Court. 

Please refer to the Guide on How to eFile at the Land Court for step-by-step and technical instructions on how to submit new case initiations and subsequent filings in pending cases to the Land Court through www.efilema.com.

A self-represented defendant can file a Tax Lien Answer form with the Land Court electronically or on paper. An online guided interview program called “Guide and File” is available to help defendants complete and file a Tax Lien Answer form. It is set up in a question-and-answer format which guides the user through the questions. When the questions have been answered, the program generates a completed form for review. After review, it must be filed at the Land Court either electronically (eFile) or in person/by mail (on paper).

The “Return Date” listed on the Citation is the date by which the Answer must be filed at the Land Court. When completing a Tax Lien Answer, it is helpful to have the Tax Lien Complaint and Citation on hand to help answer some of the questions.

The Guide & File program does not provide legal advice and does not take the place of advice from a lawyer.

Access the Online Tax Lien Answer Guide and File 

The Administrative Office of the Land Court conducted a Miscellaneous and Permit Session eFiling Training (Passcode: 1M^9vmj#) on May 24, 2023. This training was recorded on Zoom and the video recording can be viewed online at the above link.

The Administrative Office of the Land Court conducted a Tax Lien eFiling Training on January 26, 2022. This training was recorded on Zoom and the video recording can be viewed online at the above link.

Are there specific rules or requirements for eFiling in the Land Court?

Yes.  Land Court Standing Order 1-23 sets forth the court’s electronic filing procedures, standards, and guidelines.  Standing Order 1-23 covers eFiling-related topics including emergency or ex parte requests, impounded documents, affidavits of indigency, submission of courtesy copies to the court, and many others.  Individuals (or Persons) who eFile must familiarize themselves with the Land Court’s requirements as well as S.J.C. Rule 1:25: Massachusetts Rules of Electronic Filing.

Who can eFile with the Land Court?

Electronic filing for eligible case types can be done by anyone who has access to a computer and the internet. In some case types, like Tax Lien and Servicemembers, attorneys are required to eFile. Self-represented litigants have the option to eFile in eligible case types.    

What are the current fees to eFile?

The eFile Provider Fee is currently $22.00 for each new eFiled case (a one-time charge, paid on the initial eFiled envelope). There is no charge to eFile subsequent documents into pending cases.

The filer must also pay the standard Court Filing Fees required for initiating a case with the Land Court.  There is also a Payment Service Fee on the eFiled submission ($0.25 per eCheck/ACH, or 2.89% for Credit Card).

When is the cut off time to submit an eFile envelope?

The cut off time to submit an eFile envelope is 11:59 pm of each day.

What is the maximum size for a document that can be eFiled?

The maximum size is 25MB.

What type of files can I submit through eFiling?

Only PDFs can be uploaded through eFiling.

How do I eFile a court form?

Once you’ve completed the court form online or on your computer, you can follow the link below to learn how to eFile forms:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-efiling-in-the-trial-court#how-to-fill-out-e-file-forms-

What are some common reasons that an envelope may be rejected?

Some common reasons include but are not limited to, incomplete information in required fields missing documents, incorrect docket codes, and lack of signature or e-signature on complaint and affidavit(s). If an envelope is rejected by the court, the filer must make necessary corrections based on the court reviewer's comments and resubmit the envelope.