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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 2 years, that's it. You've lost the property.

2. What is a delinquent tax?

A delinquent tax is a 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 or Township Treasurer in 2013 were turned over as delinquent to the County Treasurer on March 1, 2014.

3. I didn't receive a tax bill- can you waive the late fees?

No. Neither, the local treasurer, County Treasurer, nor State treasurer has authority to waive interest or penalties. Michigan law holds the taxpayer responsible to know that taxes are paid on time.

4. What happens after the property is forwarded to the County Treasurer for collection?

The County Treasurer adds a 4% administration fee and interest of 1% per month. After 1 year, the property is forfeited to the Grand Traverse County Treasurer. For example, the 2013 taxes that were still unpaid as of March 1, 2014 was forwarded to the County treasurer for collection. 2013 taxes that remained unpaid as of March 1, 2015 were forfeited.

5. 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 a year 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. A $175 title search fee is added along with other notice fees.  We will record a Certificate of Forfeiture with the Grand Traverse County Register of Deeds, so it will come up on any title searches.

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

Even if you can't pay your taxes all at once, you can still make partial payments. Each payment will reduce the amount of interest that is added each month. The final payment must be made prior to the foreclosure date. Make your check or money order payable to the Grand Traverse County Treasurer. To ensure your payment is applied to your parcel, please write your parcel number on your check or money order along with the year you intend to pay. The mailing address is: 

Grand Traverse County Treasurer 

400 Boardman Avenue STE 104 

Traverse City, MI 49684

7. What happens after my property is in forfeiture?

After property has been in forfeiture for one year, it will be foreclosed. The 2013 property taxes will be foreclosed in March 31, 2016.

8. 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 or transferred to a government unit.

9. Will I receive any notification before my property is foreclosed?

Yes, at least 5 notifications will be made. 2 will be by first class mail, 2 by certified mail and the last notification will be delivered by personal service. In addition to these notifications, names and addresses of delinquent property owners may be published in the Traverse City Record Eagle.

10. Can I get any excess equity in the property after auction?

Yes, once you are notified of the foreclosure you will need to fill out “Notice of Claim” no later than July 1.  The following February after the property is sold you need to file a motion with the court requesting any remaining proceeds.  At the hearing the judge will review the claim and order any appropriate refund.

11. I did not receive a tax bill. Who do I contact?

Your initial tax bill is sent by your local township/city/village treasurer. Any questions or concerns regarding your current taxes must be directed to your local Treasurers' office. 

12. How do I change my address on the tax bill?

Notify your township, city, or village office as soon as possible.

13. I no longer own this property, but keep getting notices. How do I get my name off the records?

Contact your local township/city/village assessor's office. 

14. Where do I pay my property taxes?

• From July 1 to February 28 – all current year taxes (summer/winter/villages) - pay your township, city, or village treasurer.
• March 1 – taxes are now delinquent (both Summer & Winter) - pay the Grand Traverse County Treasurer.
• Prior Year/Delinquent Taxes – pay the Grand Traverse County Treasurer.

15. The Bank/Mortgage Company pays my taxes. I don't need to worry.

Although the mortgage company is responsible for paying your taxes, they sometimes get missed. Watch your mortgage statements or call your local treasurer to check that your taxes are being paid promptly. Michigan law holds the property owner responsible.

16. I recently refinanced. Do I need to worry?

Yes. Tax payments are quite often missed during the transitional time following a refinance. Be sure that your mortgage company is paying the taxes, as they should. Again, the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for seeing that the taxes are paid.