Many people find that their mortgage company did not pay their taxes. This can happen during the transitional period following a refinance. Please be sure that your mortgage company is paying the taxes.
Do you have an escrow account for your taxes?
Taxes are often left unpaid because mortgage companies miss paying them. Please watch your mortgage statements or call your local township/city treasurer's office to check that your taxes are being paid promptly. Although the mortgage company is responsible for making the payment, it is the property owner’s responsibility to see that the taxes are being paid. I am no longer the owner of this property and I keep getting delinquent notices.
How do I get my name removed from the tax bill?
Our office does not have the authority to remove your name from a tax bill. You must visit your local township/city assessors office within the municipality of where this home is located with proof of sale, deed or property transfer to have your name removed from the property.
I did not receive my current tax bill. Who do I need to contact and can you waive penalty and interest?
Your current tax bill is issued by your local township/city treasurer's office. Any questions or concerns regarding your current tax bill payment must be directed to your local treasurer's office. The Treasurer cannot waive penalties and interest. The State holds the taxpayer responsible to know that taxes are paid on time.
What is a delinquent tax?
If current taxes that were billed by your local treasurer in July and December are left unpaid, they are forwarded as delinquent to the Wayne County Treasurer for collection on March 1 succeeding the year it was due.
What happens after the property is forwarded to the County Treasurer for collection?
The Wayne County Treasurer is responsible in collecting delinquent real property taxes. State law requires the Treasurer to add a 4% administration fee plus interest of 1% per month.
Can taxes be paid with a personal check?
Yes, March – December of the year the taxes become delinquent. We then recommend a cashier’s check, money order, or cash. Please make checks payable to WAYNE COUNTY TREASURER or RAYMOND J. WOJTOWICZ.
How do I obtain a copy of a delinquent tax bill?
A copy of a delinquent tax bill may be obtained by mailing your request to our offices. Please include in your letter the property address and, if available, parcel id information. Mail your request to:
You can get your parcel number from a tax bill or call your local treasurer or assessor's office.
Where is my parcel located?
You can find your parcel Id number on your tax bill. If you do not have a current or delinquent tax bill, you can also obtain your parcel Id number from your local treasurer or assessor’s office.
No taxes are shown for year 2007. Does this mean I don't owe anything for year 2007?
No. This site does not provide current 2007 tax information. 2007 taxes become delinquent on March 1, 2008. As communities transmit their 2007 delinquent tax information to our office for collection, this information will be available on our website. For further assistance please call our office at 313-224-5990 during normal business hours.
I am no longer the owner of this property and I keep getting delinquent notices. How do I get my name removed from the tax bill?
Our office does not have the authority to remove your name from a tax bill. You must visit the local assessors office within the municipality of where this home is located with proof of sale, deed or property transfer to have your name removed from the property.
How do I find out how much my taxable value is to my house?
You need to contact your local treasurer or assessor’s office for further information.
How do I know if I am receiving the Homestead Credit?
You need to contact your local treasurer or assessor’s office.
I received a tax increase due to a Board of Review appeal. Who do I need to contact regarding my new tax amount?
If you were granted a tax increase or decrease due to an appeal through the Board of Review or Tax Tribunal, you need to contact your local treasurer or assessors office for explanation.
In 1999, a Michigan law, Public Act 123 (MCL 211.78) significantly shortened the time property owners have to pay their delinquent taxes before losing their property. Property owners with taxes that are 2 years delinquent may be foreclosed and the property can be sold at a public auction. Not paying taxes will result in higher interest charges and fees. Taxes that are delinquent for more than one year will have a substantially higher interest rate (1.5% per month, as opposed to the current 1%), and will have a state mandated $175 forfeiture fee.
What does it mean to be in forfeiture? Does that mean I lose the property?
No. Forfeiture is not foreclosure. If your property is in forfeiture, you still have a year before it will be foreclosed. However, the interest and fees will be higher. When a property is forfeited, the interest rate changes from 1% per month to 1.5% per month, retroactive to the date the taxes became delinquent and a $175 fee is added on March 1.
What happens after my property is in forfeiture?
Forfeited taxes are still payable until the following March. However, interest and penalty fees will continue to accrue each month it remains unpaid.
Will I receive any notification before my property is foreclosed?
Yes. The Wayne County Treasurer sends at least 10 notices. This is well beyond the statutory requirement. There are 4 first class notices, 3 certified, at least 1 personal visit, 2 occupant first class mailings.
What happens after my property goes through foreclosure? How do I get it back?
Foreclosure is final. You cannot get your property back after it has been foreclosed. Once the Circuit Court enters the judgment of foreclosure, redemption rights expire March 31, and the property will be sold at public auction.
When are property auctions held?
September and October of the year foreclosed. Properties are offered for a minimum bid that consists of all delinquent taxes, penalties and interest. Properties not sold at the September auction are then offered at our October auction. Successful bidders will receive a Quit Claim deed to the property.
Can I make partial payments?
Partial payments will be accepted. You can send in whatever amount you wish to be applied to your taxes. In return, you will receive a paid tax statement reflecting the amount paid as well as the balance due amount each time you make a payment. Partial payments can only be accepted by mail or in-person.
What if I simply do not have the ability to pay my taxes?
There may be a couple of options you can use, either call your local Family Independence Agency for assistance: (313) 456-1000, or request a hardship application by calling: (313) 224-6105.
How do I obtain a list of properties with delinquent taxes in a particular community or for the entire County?
Foreclosed homes that may be available for auction are listed on our main website at www.waynecounty.com/treasurer. They are sorted by municipality for your convenience.
How can I purchase a home that shows delinquent taxes are owing?
It is our goal to make every effort to notify homeowners of any delinquent taxes on their property to prevent it from being sold at auction. A listing of public auction dates and the properties available will be posted at www.waynecounty.com/treasurer. These Public Auctions usually take place in late summer and in the fall.
I need more time to pay my 2005 taxes, what can I do?
Can you pay by March 31, 2008? If so, then just pay as soon as possible. If you aren’t sure you can pay by then or if you know that you can’t then you should apply for a Substantial Financial Hardship Extension.
What is a Substantial Financial Hardship Extension?
It is an extension of time given to those people who own and occupy their home and who are facing a financial hardship and are unable to pay their taxes on their primary residence by March 31, 2008.
Who can apply?
Anyone that owns their property (by recorded deed or land contract), occupies the property as their principal residence and is facing a substantial financial hardship.
How do I apply?
Attend the Show Cause hearing being held at 400 Monroe on the 8th floor on your assigned day, January 7th, 8th, or 9th, 2008. We will also accept completed applications at that time. After the Show Cause hearing you can request an application by calling our office (313) 224-6105, by sending a request by mail, by stopping by our office at 400 Monroe, Ste. 530 Detroit, MI 48226 or by downloading it from our website www.treasurer.waynecounty.com.
What do I need to apply?
You need valid photo ID, either a Michigan Driver’s License or State ID, a copy of the deed to the property, proof that you occupy the property as your principal residence (such as a utility bill) and proof of your income. If you filed income tax for 2006 you will need to have a copy of your return, if you didn’t then you will be asked to sign an affidavit that says you were not required to file income tax, but you will still need proof of income. The Application is available on our website, by phone or mail, or by stopping by our office at 400 Monroe, Ste. 530 Detroit, MI 48226.
What level of income will be accepted?
Our income standards are 125% of the Federal Poverty Level and represent a “living wage”. If your income is just above these levels and you are facing a substantial financial hardship you should apply anyway and we will take your situation into consideration.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME STANDARDS – OFFICE OF WAYNE COUNTY TREASURER
Number of Persons Residing in Household
2007 Standards
2008 Standards
1 person
$12,250
$12,762
2 persons
$16,500
$17,112
3 persons
$20,750
$21,462
4 persons
$25,000
$25,812
5 persons
$29,250
$30,162
6 persons
$33,500
$34,512
7 persons
$37,750
$38,862
8 persons
$42,000
$43,212
Each Additional Person
Add $4,250
Add $4,350
How will I know the outcome of my application?
Our Taxpayer Assistance Department Staff will review your application and will notify you within 30 days of receipt of the completed application.
What if I received a Hardship last year, can I apply again?
Yes, if you received a Hardship Extension last year and paid that delinquency off and are still facing a financial hardship then you can apply again.
If I am granted the extension, how much time do I have to pay?
You will have until December 31, 2008 to make payment.
Will the Application to Withhold Property from Foreclosure due to Substantial Financial Hardship reduce or eliminate my taxes?
No, once taxes are billed they cannot be reduced by the Wayne County Treasurer and interest and fees will continue to add up as well. You may, however, qualify for an exemption from taxes that could reduce or eliminate future taxes. To find out if you qualify and to apply contact your city or township assessor’s Office.
What if I don’t own my home?
If you don’t hold title to your property and need legal assistance to get the property in your name, you can contact United Community Housing Coalition at (313) 963-3310 or Legal Aid and Defender’s Office at (313) 964-4130. They can give legal advice and explain your options.
How do I make payments?
If you want to pay in full you can pay on-line by visiting our website, www.treasurer.waynecounty.com, clicking the link and following the payment instructions. You can also pay in full by mailing a check or money order or by visiting our office. If you want to make a partial payment you must either mail your payment to Wayne County Treasurer’s Office, 400 Monroe, 5th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226 or visit our office at the same address.
What is the deadline to apply for a Substantial Financial Hardship Extension?
The deadline for application is March 1,2008.
Who can I contact for more information and to obtain an application for Substantial Financial Hardship Extension?
You can get information by calling our Taxpayer Assistance Department Hotline at (313) 224-6105 or writing to Wayne County Treasurer, Attn: Taxpayer Assistance, 400 Monroe, Ste. 530, Detroit, MI 48226 or by visiting our website at www.treasurer.waynecounty.com.
Payment Information
Where and how can I pay my delinquent taxes?
There are a number of options:
You can pay your taxes in full on-line by an electronic debit from your savings or checking account by hitting the "Pay Now" button on the screen that displays your outstanding taxes.
You can pay taxes in full on-line by credit card (Master Card or Visa)
You can mail your check (no cash please) or visit our offices at the following address:
Partial payments are also accepted. You can send in whatever amount you wish to be applied to your taxes. In return, you will receive a paid tax statement reflecting the amount paid as well as the balance due amount each time you make a payment. Partial payments can only be accepted by mail or in-person
What are the benefits of paying my delinquent taxes on the Internet?
It’s fast – the payment process takes only a few minutes
It’s accurate – verification steps guide you along the way, you are able to review payment information before it is sent
It’s convenient – this payment option is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week without having to leave the comfort of your home.
It’s easy to use – the screens are self-explanatory and help buttons are there to guide you through the process.
It’s secure – Wayne County maintains a high level of security on the Internet
What do I need in order to pay by electronic debit (ACH)?
You will need the parcel ID number (viewable on the delinquent listing screens) for the property that you are submitting payment for, name and address, an e-mail address for payment confirmation, and your checking or savings account number.
Is there a fee to pay my delinquent taxes by electronic debit (ACH)?
No. The electronic debit option is free at no cost to you.
Do you accept credit card payments?
This site is authorized to accept MasterCard or Visa. Taxpayers using this service will incur a service charge of 2.49% of the total taxes paid. The fee is paid to the service provider, not the Wayne County Treasurer.
How will I know if my payment was received?
As soon as the process is completed, you will receive an e-mail confirmation. A receipt will be mailed to the address that you provided on the screen.
Why is the "PAY" button not showing on my screen?
If your parcel is in bankruptcy or if a tax year has a state or individual bid status then payment is accepted only in person and not via the website. Please determine the status of your parcel or call our office at (313) 224-5990 during normal business hours.
When I click on the "Pay Now" button nothing happens?
Security blocks may be in place on your computer that restricts certain functions. Try holding down the "ctrl" key when clicking on the "Pay Now" button. This may override the security block. For further assistance, please call our office at (313) 224-5990 during normal business hours.
I entered a wrong account number. What happens to my payment?
Even though you received an e-mail confirmation for your payment, your payment can still be cancelled. Once the bank notifies us of the cancellation, your payment will be then considered as delinquent. There will also be a $25 cancellation fee added to the unpaid balance.
The Act MCLA 15.231 et seq regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of public records by public bodies within the state. A public record is writing prepared, owned, and used, in the possession of, or retained by a public body in the performance of an official function, from the time it is created. In general, all records except those cited as exceptions are covered by the Act.
What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Michigan Freedom of Information Act as amended by 1996 PA 553 regulates and sets requirements for the disclosure of public records by all public bodies in the state including all state agencies, county and other local governments, school boards, other boards, departments, commissions, councils, and public colleges and universities.
Who can make a Freedom of Information request?
Public documents may be requested under the Freedom of Information Act by an individual, corporation, Limited Liability Company, partnership, firm, organization, association, governmental entity, or other legal entity.
How do I make a request under the Freedom of Information Act?
Requests for public records of the Wayne County Treasurer must be submitted to:
Terrance A. Keith
Chief Deputy Treasurer,
Wayne County Treasurer’s Office
4-00 Monroe, Suite 550
Detroit, MI 48226
Fax: 313-224-2921
