FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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 village or township treasurer in 2021 will be turned delinquent to the county treasurer on March 1, 2022.
What happens after the property is forwarded to the county treasurer as delinquent?
The county treasurer adds a 4% administration fee and interest of 1% per month.  After one year, the property is forfeited to the county treasurer.  For example, the 2021 taxes that are still unpaid as of March 1, 2023 will be in forfeiture.
I didn't receive a property tax bill from my local township or city. Will the county waive the interest on my delinquent taxes?
No. The county treasurer is required by law (sec. 211.56 of the general property tax act) to add a 4% administration fee on March 1st - the date taxes are turned over delinquent - and 1% interest per month. There is no provision for waiving these or any other fees.
Can I make partial payments?
Yes. Partial payments can be made at any time, but all statutory fees and interest will be applied to the unpaid balance.
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 three years, that’s it.  You’ve lost the property.
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 fee plus recording fees are also added.
What happens after my property is in forfeiture?
After a property has been in forfeiture for one year it will be foreclosed.  For example, 2021 property taxes will be foreclosed in March 2024.
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 should still make partial payments.  Make your check payable to the Antrim County Treasurer.  To ensure your payment is applied to your parcel, please write your parcel number on your check or money order.  The mailing address is P.O. Box 544, Bellaire MI 49615. If you can’t pay all of your taxes before foreclosure, you may qualify for a one time Financial Hardship Deferral with the County Treasurer; you will need to call our office to find out if you qualify. You may also, contact Department of Human Services at 231-533-8664 for possible financial assistance.
Will I receive any notification before my property is foreclosed?
Yes.  Five notifications will be made.  Two will be by first class mail, two by certified mail and the last notification will be made by personal service.  In addition to these notifications, names and addresses of delinquent owners may be published in the newspaper.
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.
My property taxes are too high. How can I challenge my taxable value?
Please contact the assessor in the city, township, or village where you reside.
Will my neighbors know that my property has been forfeited and subject to foreclosure?
Yes, if they ask or request to view your property information. Information concerning property assessment and taxes is public information.