Posts

Detroiters Tangled Up In Title Transfers

/in /by

Many Detroiters are dealing with “tangled titles.” They’re in living situations, like inherited homes, where home titles haven’t been transferred from deceased family members. Foreclosure prevention experts often come across title problems where heirs need more education on how to navigate the title transfer problems. Title issues prohibit people from gaining access to assistance programs that help with home repairs or back property taxes. When a home title doesn’t transfer within a family, it cripples families’ abilities to build generational wealth. Title issues occur when there isn’t a will or trust in place. Transferring ownership then has to occur through probate, and that process is out-of-reach for many who can’t afford a lawyer. The stakes grow higher when people are facing tax foreclosure. Michigan Legal Services, a nonprofit legal services organization, has helped over a thousand in Wayne County administer probate cases to transfer title to the heir occupying the home. The need for these services far outweighs the available legal resources.

 

Inflation Impacts Property Taxes With Highest Increase Since 2007

/in , , , , /by

Michigan homeowners can expect to see bigger than normal increases in their summer property tax bills. Thanks to this year’s inflation, many need to prepare for even bigger hikes next year. The inflation rate adjustment for this year’s property taxes is 3.3%, the highest it has been in 15 years. The rate is the maximum increase in taxable value that can apply this year to Michigan homes that haven’t changed ownership or seen additions to the property. The multiplier hasn’t been over 3% since 2007. Inflation’s impact on food and gas prices are obvious to consumers, but its impact on property taxes can be unexpected and somewhat hidden.

 

 

Coalition Suggests Ways For Overtax Paybacks

/in /by

The Coalition for Property Tax Justice released a report outlining a series of ideas for ways the city could compensate overtaxed homeowners. It included survey results from more than 200 Detroiters. Ideas included property tax credits, Section 8 rental vouchers, home repair grants, Detroit Land Bank Authority’s rehabbed homes, and as-is Land Bank homes paired with home repair grants or cash payments. Although cash payments to overtaxed homeowners was a main focus, Detroit’s top attorney has indicated that the city cannot use general fund monies to compensate individuals. State law prohibits direct support from the general fund for private purposes.

 

 

Overtaxed Detroit Homeowners Wait for Reparations

/in , /by

Over-assessed Detroit homeowners are waiting for compensation from the city. Between 2010 and 2016, the city of Detroit overtaxed homeowners by at least $600 million. Detroit City Council President and the Coalition for Property Tax Justice have set forth a tentative plan for compensation and restoration of residents’ dignity. The illegal overassessments led to 100,000 Detroiters losing their homes when they should not have. The state constitution states that property can not be assessed at more than 50% of its market value, and yet the city assessed 55%-85% of its property in violation of that law. There are four categories of residents that are eligible for compensation if they owned and occupied a home that was overtaxed between 2009 and 2020. Depending on the category residents fall under, a variety of compensation options are available to fit their individual needs.

 

 

 

 

Judge Orders Extension On Foreclosure Protections

/in /by

The Wayne County Treasurer filed a motion requesting that the redemption period on property tax foreclosures be extended. Judge Timothy Kenny ordered that foreclosure protections for occupied homes and commercial properties be extended to March 31, 2022. The order will keep properties off the annual auction block. However property taxes must continue to be paid. The Treasurer asserts that the main objective is to keep people in their homes.

Wayne County Expands Back Tax Assistance Program

/in , /by

The Wayne County Treasurer’s Office has expanded its tax assistance program to now assist commercial property owners and landlords who have up to five occupied rental properties. The program gives eligible landlords and businesses time to pay off the back tax debt but doesn’t lower the 18% yearly interest rate. It allows them to pay 25% down and then pay off the rest of their balance through March of the next year.

One incentive to participate in the plan: The tax foreclosure process will move forward this year for all property classifications; the Wayne County Treasurer does not anticipate extending the foreclosure moratorium through this year, even for residential properties.

Washtenaw County Treasurer Halts Tax Foreclosures

/in /by

The Washtenaw county treasurer declared a moratorium on tax foreclosures for residential, occupied properties. Catherine McClary is amending the Financial Hardship Policy in an effort to assist small business owners, landlords, and homeowners. The moratorium will extend the tax foreclosure deadline to next year.