Politics & Government

Got Delinquent Taxes? Calling County Treasurer May Prevent Foreclosure

Andy Meisner says a "1-2" punch can help homeowners avoid losing their properties.

Property owners with delinquent taxes from 2010 and earlier have until March 31 to take action that will prevent foreclosure.

Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner is urging those with late property taxes to give knock them out with a one-two punch.

“The first punch ... to knock out delinquent property taxes is contacting our office immediately at 248-858-0612 to work out a monthly payment plan,” Meisner said in a press release. "The second punch ... is applying for the Step Forward Michigan Program for Property Tax Assistance, which can ‘knock out’ up to $30,000 in delinquent property taxes for families facing hardships.”

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under Public Act 123 of 1999, property owners have until March 31 of the third year of their delinquency to have their property “withheld” from the sale of their property. Meisner offers all taxpayers the opportunity to have their property withheld by signing a written, monthly payment plan of as low as $25 per month.

“Signing a payment plan with our office and making every payment is the only guaranteed way to save your property,” said Meisner. “Once taxpayers get on a payment plan, we’ll help them apply for the Step Forward Program, which could ‘knock out’ their problem all together.”

Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To be eligible for the Step Forward Michigan Loan Rescue Program for Property Tax Assistance, homes must be owner-occupied, be facing delinquent taxes, and the owner must have experienced a hardship of some sort, including unemployment or medical disability. 

“Using every available tool to prevent foreclosure helps protect our property values, stabilize our neighborhoods, and collect needed revenues for essential services," Meisner said.

Taxpayers can receive more information by calling 248-858-0612, or visiting oakgov.com/treasurer.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Farmington-Farmington Hills