Public Act 123 of 1999 - Frequently Asked Questions

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If I don't pay my taxes will I really lose my property?,

Yes. Your property will be foreclosed and you will lose title.

What is a delinquent tax?,

A delinquent tax is a tax that has been forwarded to the County Treasurer for collection on March 1st following the year the bill was originally issued.

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 one year the property enters a forfeited status.

What does it mean to be in forfeiture? Does that mean that I lose my property?,

No. Forfeiture is not foreclosure. Forfeiture is a 1 year period leading up to the final foreclosure of the property. When a property is forfeited, the interest rate increases from 1% per month, to 1.5% per month, back to the date when the taxes became delinquent. A $175 fee is also added, and additional fees are added during this 1 year period.

What happens after my property is in forfeiture?,

After property has been in forfeiture for one year it will be foreclosed.

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

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