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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
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| July/December 2022 | 2022 property taxes are billed by city, township, or local municipality treasurer. |
| March 1, 2023 | Unpaid 2022 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, 2023 | A $15 collection fee is added to each parcel. |
| March 1, 2024 | Property 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 to March 1, 2023 |
| October/November 2024 | Notice of Show Cause Hearing and Judicial Foreclosure Hearing are personally served upon a property occupant or posted on the property. |
| December 2024 | Publication of forfeited properties subject to tax foreclosure on March 31, 2025. |
| January 2025 | The 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 2025 | Zoom Judicial Foreclosure Hearings will be scheduled for the month. The date and scheduling link for the Hearings will be forwarded to you via email. |
| March 2025 | Circuit Court enters a judgment of foreclosure. Property owners may redeem their property by paying the taxes, interest, penalties and fees by March 31, 2025 or lose their property. |
| April 1, 2025 | Property is foreclosed. Property owners lose all rights. Title to the property passes to the county treasurer. |
| July 1, 2025 | Deadline to file the "Notice of Intent to Claim Remaining Foreclosure Proceeds" form for parcels foreclosed in 2025. |
| September & October 2025 | Property is sold at public auction. |
For further information regarding tax delinquencies
Call our tax information line at: (313) 224-5990.
