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Delinquent Taxes Hardship Information
Michigan law (MCL 211) states that tax bills from the year 2020 must be paid by March 31, 2023 or they will be foreclosed and sold at public auction.
The Van Buren County Treasurer is dedicated to working with taxpayers to keep them in their homes and caught up on delinquent tax bills (pursuant to MCL 211.7dd). This program is designed to assist owners with a financial hardship.
How do I apply?
Please complete our Financial Hardship Application and return it to the Van Buren County Treasurer’s office by March 31, 2023. Please describe your plan to pay all delinquent taxes by March 31, 2023.
FINANCIAL HARDSHIP POLICY
Michigan law requires property tax bills from 2020 and prior years to be paid by March 31, 2023 or the property will be foreclosed. The Van Buren County Treasurer is dedicated to working with taxpayers to keep them in their homes and get current on their tax bills.
Applicant Conditions
- Complete the Financial Hardship Application
- Applicant must own the property upon which an extension is sought or demonstrate that they serve as a duly authorized representative of such owner
- Agree to a payment plan. Plans may include one or more of the following:
- Tax payment assistance from an agency such as MDHHS or Step Forward
- Pending sale or refinancing of the property
- Installment payment plan
- Applicants must disclose the hardship condition that affects their ability to pay taxes. Proof of such hardship may be requested. Hardships may include but are not limited to the following involuntary hardships:
- Unemployment or underemployment
- Illness or out of pocket medical expense
- One-time critical expense
- Applicants must have complied with the terms of any previous hardship extensions granted by the Van Buren County Treasurer’s Office
- The property must be in compliance with local code. The County Treasurer will NOT consider properties that are dangerous buildings, condemned, or vacant/boarded
- We may request additional information such as:
- Photo ID
- Valid mortgage, deed, or land contract
- Verification of income or assets
- Federal income tax returns
- Proof of any needs-based state or federal assistance
What if I am approved?
The Treasurer will document the agreed upon payment plan on the Hardship form and sign the document. You will be withheld from foreclosure for one year. During that year, interest, fees, and additional expenses will continue to accrue on the parcel and will increase your liability.
What if I am denied?
Taxes from 2020 and prior years must be paid by the end of business on March 31, 2023 or ownership of the property is transferred to the County Treasurer. FORECLOSURE IS FINAL.