Payments

When Are Property Taxes Due in Michigan, and What if I Can’t Pay Them on Time?

As a homeowner, you know that one of the responsibilities you have is paying taxes, such as property taxes. Property taxes help to fund things like schools, libraries, roads, and parks. The amount you pay in property taxes depends on your home’s assessed value.

Are you wondering when property taxes are due in Michigan? We’ll give you the insight scoop and provide advice if you cannot pay them on time.

When Are Property Taxes Due in Michigan?

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to know when property taxes are due in Michigan. Property taxes are due twice a year – once during the winter and once during the summer.

For winter taxes, residents receive a notice of their tax bill in the mail during December (they’re usually sent out on December 1). You must make your payment before February 14; otherwise, the payment will be considered late, and interest will begin to accrue.

Note: The due date may be earlier or later than February 14, depending on your township or city charter.

For summer taxes, residents receive a notice of their tax bill in the mail during July (they’re usually sent out on July 1). You must make your payment before September 14; otherwise, the payment will be considered late, and interest will begin to accrue.

Note: The due date may be earlier or later than September 14, depending on your township or city charter.

What Happens if My Property Tax Payment Is Made After the Due Date?

If you fail to make your property tax payment by the due date, you will owe interest on the unpaid tax. It will accrue at a rate of 1% per month. If six months pass by and you still have not paid your property tax, it will be returned to your country treasurer as delinquent for collection, and additional interest penalties will apply.

When using a check to pay your property taxes, a helpful tip is to check with your bank to confirm that the check has been cashed. As the taxpayer, you’re liable for the payment, so it’s crucial to ensure everything goes through smoothly.

Here is the schedule for the interest you will accrue if you fall behind on paying your property taxes:

Date payment is received – Amount of tax due

During the remainder of month 1 – 102% of base tax (base tax, plus 1% administrative fee, plus 1% interest penalty)

During month 2 – 103% of base tax (base tax, plus 1% administrative fee, plus 2% interest penalty)

During month 3 – 104% of base tax (base tax, plus 1% administrative fee, plus 3% interest penalty)

During month 4 – 105% of base tax (base tax, plus 1% administrative fee, plus 4% interest penalty)

During month 5 – 106% of base tax (base tax, plus 1% administrative fee, plus 5% interest penalty)

During month 6 – 107% of base tax (base tax, plus 1% administrative fee, plus 6% interest penalty)

What Happens if I Never Pay My Property Tax in Michigan?

It’s important always to pay your property taxes. If you fail to do so, the overdue amount becomes a lien on the property (a claim or legal right against assets typically used as collateral to satisfy a debt).

If you fail to pay your property taxes as a homeowner in Michigan, there is the possibility that you could lose your home to a tax forfeiture and foreclosure. Every state has its own laws that allow the local government to sell a house through a tax sale process to collect the delinquent tax payment.

In Michigan, forfeiture doesn’t mean that you’ve immediately lost your home. It means that the county will eventually foreclose on your home. You’ll have a certain amount of time after the forfeiture to get caught up on the money you owe and avoid losing your house.

A Way To Avoid Tax Delinquent Foreclosure

If you can’t make your property tax payments on time and are in danger of tax delinquent foreclosure, you need a fast solution to get you back on the right track. Selling your home for cash could be what’s best for you.

At Renewed Homes, we buy houses for cash as-is and help you get out of tough situations. If you’re worried about making your property tax payments, our team is here to help. It’s always our first priority to help our clients stay in their homes, but even if we can’t, we can make a fair cash offer to help you move on from a difficult time and find something new for your family. To learn more about our process, give us a call at (269) 362-0931 or contact us online.