Show All Answers

1. If I don't pay my taxes, will I really lose my house and property?

Yes. Property owners who had delinquent taxes under the old law could also lose their property, but they had more time to pay and more "second chances." Under the new law, if your taxes are delinquent for two years, that's it. You've lost the property.

2. What is a delinquent tax?

A delinquent tax is an unpaid tax that has been forwarded to the county treasurer for collection on March 1 of the year after it was due. For example: taxes that are billed by your city, township, or village treasurer in 2009 and yet unpaid on the last day of February 2010, will be turned over to the County Treasurer as delinquent on March 1, 2010.

3. What happens after the property is forwarded to the county treasurer for collection?

An Administrative fee of 4% and interest of 1% per month are added. After one year, the property is forfeited to the county treasurer. For example, 2008 taxes still unpaid as of March 1, 2010 will be in forfeiture.

4. What does it mean for my property to be in forfeiture? Does that mean I lose my property?

No. Forfeiture is not foreclosure. If your property is in forfeiture, you still have one year before it will be foreclosed. However, the interest and fees will be substantially higher. When a property is forfeited, the interest rate goes from 1% per month to 1.5% per month retroactive to the date it first became delinquent. A $175 processing fee, as well as other fees determined by the State of Michigan are also added.

5. What happens after my property is in forfeiture?

After a property has been in forfeiture for one year and is still unpaid, it will be foreclosed. 2007 property taxes will be foreclosed on March 31, 2010.

6. What happens after my property is foreclosed? How do I get it back?

You cannot get your property back after it has been "foreclosed." Foreclosure is final. Property that has been foreclosed will be sold at public auction.

7. What if I can't come up with the money right now?

Partial Payments

Even if you can't pay your taxes all at once, you can still make partial payments, depending on how many years are delinquent. Make your check payable to the Muskegon County Treasurer and mail to:

Muskegon County Treasurer
173 E Apple Avenue Number 104
Muskegon, Michigan 49442 

Parcel Number

To ensure your payment is applied to your parcel, please write your parcel number on your check or money order. If you cannot pay all of your taxes before foreclosure, contact a mortgage professional to determine if you could consolidate your unpaid taxes into a mortgage; or contact the Family Independence Agency at 231-733-3700 for possible financial assistance

Avoid Foreclosure. Please do not wait until it's too late.