Tax foreclosure redemption period extended for now

A Macomb County Circuit Court judge has granted an order sought by County Treasurer Lawrence Rocca to extend the tax foreclosure redemption period due to uncertainty over the COVID-19 public health threat.

A taxpayer who owes 2017 delinquent property taxes and did not obtain a payment plan previously would have until the end of March to redeem a the property from foreclosure, Rocca said Monday in a news release.

“This order amended the judgement to allow a taxpayer in this situation to redeem a property from tax foreclosure through May 29, 2020, or 30 days after the end of the governor’s order declaring a state of emergency, whichever is later,” Rocca said in the release.

Rocca asked for an ex parte order requesting the judge to change the county’s judgement of foreclosure dated Feb. 10, 2020. Marlinga approved the request, he said.

After May 29 — or 30 days after the governor’s emergency order expires — properties with any remaining 2017 or prior taxes owing are subject to foreclosure unless a payment plan is entered into with the treasurer’s office, the release states.

It’s part of Rocca’s “Keep Macomb Their Home” campaign to help county taxpayers, according to his office.

Also Monday, Rocca said he has extended the treasurer’s office’s closure to the public through Friday, May 1, as a precaution to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

During the closure, taxpayers are directed to either mail in checks and money orders, or to make payments online through macombtreasurer.com. If a taxpayer is unable to send in a payment electronically, they can contact the treasurer’s office to arrange an appointment at 586-469-5190.