If I don't pay my taxes will I really lose my property?

YES. Your property will be foreclosed and you will lose title.

What is a delinquent tax?

A delinquent tax is a tax that has been forwarded to the County Treasurer for collection on March the 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 as delinquent to the county Treasurer on March 1st 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.  After one year, the property enters a forfeited status.

What does it mean to be in forfeiture? Does that mean that 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 up from 1% per month, to 1.5% per month, back to the date when the taxes became delinquent. A $175 fee is also added.

What happens after my property is in forfeiture?

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

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

YOU CANNOT GET YOUR PROPERTY BACK AFTER IT HAS BEEN FORECLOSED. Property that has been foreclosed, will be sold at public auction.