Township Departments
Treasurer's Department - Foreclosure Timeline

Q. If I do not pay my taxes, will I really lose my house and property?

A. 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 two years that’s it. You have just lost your property.

Q. What is a delinquent tax?

A. 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 were billed by Chesterfield Township in 1999 were turned delinquent to the county treasurer on March 1, 2000.

Q. What happens after the tax is forwarded to the county treasurer for collection?

A. 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.

Q. What does it mean for my property to be in forfeiture? Does that mean I lose my property?

A. No. If you 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 $175.00 fee is also added.

Q. What happens after my property is in forfeiture?

A. After a property has been in forfeiture for one year, it will be foreclosed.

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

A. 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.

Q. I still owe my property taxes from 2000 & 2001. What should I do about those?

A. Pay them as quickly as you can.

Q. Will I receive any notification before my property is foreclosed?

A. 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 visit to the property.