Share:
Font Size:

Forfeiture/Foreclosure Timeline

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.

The act reduced the amount of time to pay taxes from approximately 5 years to 2 years. Property owners with taxes that are 2 years delinquent can be foreclosed and the property can be sold at a public auction. Not paying taxes results in higher interest charges and fees.

The interest rate on taxes that are delinquent for more than one year is 1.5% per month. The forfeiture fee is $175 plus administrative fees.

PUBLIC ACT 123 TIMELINE

DateAction
July/December 20212021 property taxes are billed by city, township, or local municipality treasurer.
March 1, 2022Unpaid 2021 property taxes become delinquent and were forwarded to the county treasurer for collection. State law requires a 4% administration fee and 1% per month interest.
October 1, 2022A $15 collection fee is added to each parcel.
March 1, 2023Property is forfeited to the county treasurer. State law requires the addition of a $175 fee and $30 in recording fees. Interest increases from 1% per month to 1.5% per month back to the date the taxes became delinquent.
October/November 2023Notice of Show Cause Hearing and Judicial Foreclosure Hearing are personally served upon a property occupant or posted on the property.
November 2023Publication of forfeited properties subject to tax foreclosure on March 31, 2024.
January 2024The Show Cause Hearings will be held remotely the second, third and fourth weeks of January. In addition to providing an opportunity to show cause why absolute title to the property should not vest in the county treasurer, our interviewers will have contact information for our community partners who may be able to assist you with your issues.
February 2024Zoom Judicial Foreclosure Hearings will be scheduled for the month. The date and scheduling link for the Hearings will be included in the yellow bag packet.
March 2024Circuit Court enters a judgment of foreclosure. Property owners may redeem their property by paying the taxes, interest, penalties and fees by March 31, 2024 or lose their property.
April 1, 2024

Property is foreclosed. Property owners lose all rights. Title to the property passes to the county treasurer.

July 1, 2024Deadline to file the "Notice of Intent to Claim Remaining Foreclosure Proceeds" form for parcels foreclosed in 2024.
September & October 2024Property is sold at public auction.
For further information regarding tax delinquencies
Call our tax information line at: (313) 224-5990.