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Property Tax FAQ & Timeline
The property tax foreclosure process can be confusing. We would like to answer any questions you might have and help you develop a payment strategy. Please call us at 989-875-5220 or email tball@gratiotmi.com.
- If I don’t pay my taxes, will I really lose my house?
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Yes. Under PA 123 of 1999, if your taxes are delinquent for 25 months, you lose your property.
- What is a delinquent tax?
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A delinquent tax is a tax bill that was forwarded to the county treasurer for collection on March 1st of the year after it was due. For example, taxes that are billed by your city or township treasurer in 2019 were turned delinquent to the county treasurer on March 1, 2020.
- What happens after the property is forwarded to the county treasurer for collection?
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The county treasurer adds a required 4% administration fee and 1% per month interest. After one year, the property is forfeited to the county treasurer. For example, 2019 taxes still unpaid as of Mach 1, 2021 are forfeited.
- What does it mean for my property to be in in Forfeiture?
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Forfeiture is the beginning of the foreclosure process. If your property is in forfeiture, you still have 13 months before it will be foreclosed. However, the interest and fees will be higher. When a property is forfeited, the interest rate goes from 1% per month to 1.5% per month, back to the date the taxes became delinquent. Fees of at least $285 are added in the forfeiture and foreclosure process. A notice of forfeiture is recorded with the Register of Deeds.
- What happens after my property is in forfeiture?
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After a property has been in Forfeiture for 13 months, it will be foreclosed. 2019 property taxes will be foreclosed March 31, 2022.
- What is foreclosure?
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Foreclosure is the loss of your property. It occurs March 31, after the Circuit Court judgement is entered.
- Can I get my property back if it is foreclosed?
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No, foreclosure is final. You cannot get your property back after it has been foreclosed. Foreclosed property may go to public auction.
- Will I receive any notice before my property is foreclosed?
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Yes. You will receive five notices. Two will be by first class mail, two by certified mail and one by personal service. The names and addresses of those with an interest in forfeited property will also be published in a local paper.
- I don’t have to worry about losing my property yet. Why not wait and pay my taxes later?
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Don’t wait! Unpaid property taxes from 2019 will result in property foreclosure March 31, 2022. If all taxes, penalties and interest are not paid before the end of the redemption period, you will lose your property. Foreclosure is final!
- What if I don’t have all the money right now?
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Help is available in many circumstances. Any delay will cost you more. If you can’t pay your taxes all at one, you can make partial payments. When making payments, use a check or money order and remember to:
- Make payable to the Gratiot County Treasurer.
- Write your parcel number on it.
- Mail it to 214 E. Center St, Ithaca MI 48847
If you can’t pay your taxes, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 517-887-9400 or visit them at 5303 S. Cedar St, Lansing for possible financial assistance.