Can I pay my property taxes by credit card?
YES. Official Payments Corporation will accept credit card payments for property taxes over the phone at 1-800-2PAY-TAX or on the internet at www.officialpayments.com. You will need a jurisdiction code (3249), the parcel number and the amount of the tax bill). The City of DeWitt can not take payments by credit card for property taxes at City Hall
Can I pay my property taxes and/or utility bill over the internet using a checking or savings account?
YES. The please visit the City Treasurer's information published on this web site.
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 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 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 city or township treasurer in 2007 will be returned delinquent to the county treasurer on March 1, 2008.
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 of the unpaid amount. After one year, the property is forfeited to the county treasurer. For example, the 2007 taxes that are still unpaid as of March 1, 2009 will be in forfeiture.
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 one 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 is also added.
What happens after my property is in forfeiture?
After a property has been in forfeiture for one year, it will be foreclosed. 2006 property taxes will be foreclosed in March 2009. 2007 property taxes will be foreclosed in March 2010.
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 forclosed. Property that has been foreclosed will be sold at public auction.
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 property owners may be published in the newspaper.
I still owe my property taxes from 2006 & 2007. What should I do?
Pay them as quickly as you can to Clinton County. 2006 will foreclose in March 2009. |
