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1. Real Property Tax Forfeiture and Foreclosure Flow Chart.

Real Property Tax Forfeiture and Foreclosure Flow Chart.

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

Foreclosure is final. You cannot get your property back after it has been foreclosed. Property that has been foreclosed will be sold by the Cass County Treasurer at public auction.

3. What does it mean that my property is in forfeiture? Does that mean I lose my property?

No. Forfeiture is not foreclosure. If your property is in forfeiture you still have the right to redeem it: however, the interest and fees will be higher.

4. If I don't pay my taxes will I really lose my house and property?

Yes. If your taxes are delinquent for two years, you lose the property.

5. What is a delinquent tax?

A delinquent tax is a tax that has been forwarded to the County Treasurer for collection on March 1st of the year after it was due. For example, taxes that are billed by your City or Township Treasurer in 2007 will be turned over delinquent to the County Treasurer on March 1, 2008.

6. When and where do I pay my summer property taxes?

There are two tax bills sent out every year for all properties in the County, and if you live in one of the four Villages within the County, you will receive three tax bills. There is a summer tax billing cycle, a winter tax billing cycle and the Villages also have a tax billing cycle. Summer taxes are due and payable to your local treasurer beginning July 1 through September 14 every year. 

After September 14, your summer taxes may still be payed, with additional penalties and interest, to your local treasurer until February 28 (February 29 in a the case of a leap year). On March 1, if your taxes have not been paid, they are then delinquent and must be paid with additional penalties and interest to the County Treasurer.

7. What happens after the property taxes are delinquent and are then forwarded to the County Treasurer for collection?

The County Treasurer adds a four % administrative fee and interest of one % per month. If taxes are still delinquent after one year, the property is forfeited to the County Treasurer.

8. When and where do I pay my winter property taxes?

There are two tax bills sent out every year for all properties in the County, and if you live in one of the four Villages within the County, you will receive three tax bills. There is a summer tax billing cycle, a winter tax billing cycle and the Villages also have a tax billing cycle. Winter taxes are due and payable to your local treasurer beginning December 1 through February 28 (February 29 in the event of a leap year) every year. 

On March 1, if your taxes have not been paid, they are then delinquent and must be paid with additional penalties and interest to the County Treasurer.