Facing Tax Foreclosure in Saginaw County, Michigan?
If you are a homeowner in Saginaw County dealing with delinquent property taxes -- or you have already lost your property at a tax sale -- you may be owed money. Here is what you need to know.
How Tax Sales Work in Saginaw County
The County Treasurer in Saginaw manages tax sales for Saginaw County through a tax deed sale. Property taxes become delinquent on March 1. After one year, unpaid taxes transfer to the county treasurer, and a redemption period lasts until March 31 of the third year. If not redeemed, the county forecloses judicially and sells the property at auction.
When your property sells for more than what you owed, the extra money is "surplus funds." Under the Rafaeli LLC v. Oakland County decision (2020) and MCL 211.78t, those funds may belong to you.
Tyler v. Hennepin County: Your Constitutional Right
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that governments cannot keep surplus from tax sales beyond what is owed, calling it a violation of the Fifth Amendment. If Saginaw County collected more than you owed, you have a right to the difference.
Critical Deadlines
Michigan has a six-year statute of limitations for constitutional taking claims. Court-held surplus may be presumed abandoned after one year. Act quickly to stay within these windows. After one year, court-held funds may be presumed abandoned. Do not wait.
Steps to Take Now
- Contact the County Treasurer in Saginaw. Ask if surplus funds are held from your property's sale.
- Gather documents. You need proof of identity, proof of ownership at the time of sale, and any sale correspondence.
- File your claim promptly. Follow the county's process and keep copies of everything.
- Consult an attorney if deadlines are close or your situation is complicated.
AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company that helps homeowners recover surplus funds for a flat $4,999 fee upon successful recovery. We are not investors. We exist to help you get what is yours. Visit AuctionBlock.org for free help.
Educational information from AuctionBlock.org, a mission-driven company. Not legal advice. Laws are evolving post-Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023). Consult a licensed Michigan attorney. Updated April 2026.