Tax Foreclosure in Detroit: What Wayne County Homeowners Need to Know
How Tax Foreclosure Works in Wayne County
In Wayne County, Michigan, tax foreclosure is governed by the Michigan General Property Tax Act (MCL 211.78 et seq.). When property taxes go unpaid, the process unfolds on a strict timeline managed by the Wayne County Treasurer's Office.
Year 1 — Delinquency: Property taxes become delinquent on March 1 of the year following the tax year. At this point, penalties and interest begin to accrue. The delinquent taxes are returned to the Wayne County Treasurer for collection.
Year 2 — Forfeiture: If taxes remain unpaid by March 1 of the second year, the property is forfeited to the Wayne County Treasurer. The Treasurer sends a forfeiture notice to the property owner. During this year, the owner can still pay the delinquent taxes plus penalties and interest to stop the process.
Year 3 — Foreclosure and Auction: If taxes are still unpaid, the Wayne County Treasurer files a petition with the Wayne County Circuit Court for a Judgment of Foreclosure. After the court enters judgment (typically in March), the property owner has until the court-ordered deadline to pay all delinquent taxes, interest, penalties, and fees. If the owner does not pay, the property is foreclosed and scheduled for the Wayne County Tax Foreclosure Auction, which typically takes place in the fall.
In the 2025 Wayne County Tax Foreclosure Auction, approximately 370 Detroit homeowners had properties in the auction — more than double the roughly 170 homeowner tax foreclosures from the previous year.
Recent Legal Development: Surplus Proceeds Claims
Following recent Michigan Supreme Court rulings, it is unconstitutional for counties to retain sale proceeds that exceed the amount of delinquent taxes owed. Former property owners who lost homes to tax foreclosure may be entitled to claim surplus proceeds. As of January 2026, Wayne County had returned more than $3.8 million to eligible claimants. If you lost property to tax foreclosure, contact the Wayne County Treasurer's Office to determine whether you have a claim.
Programs and Resources That Can Help
Wayne County Treasurer Payment Plans
The Wayne County Treasurer offers payment plans for delinquent property taxes. Contact the Treasurer's Office at (313) 224-5990 to discuss options before your property reaches foreclosure.
United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC)
UCHC's Tax Foreclosure Prevention Program provides financial assistance, housing counseling, legal representation, and help negotiating payment plans with the Wayne County Treasurer. UCHC also operates the Make It Home program, which helps occupants of tax-foreclosed properties purchase their homes through the auction process.
- Hotline: (313) 725-4560
- Website: uchcdetroit.org
Legal Aid and Defender Association (LAD)
LAD's Foreclosure Education and Assistance Program provides free legal counsel and full-scale legal representation to Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County residents at risk of losing their homes to mortgage or tax foreclosure.
- Phone: (877) 964-4700
Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF)
Income-eligible owner-occupied homeowners can apply for assistance with delinquent property taxes through the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund.
- Phone: (844) 756-4423
- Website: Michigan.gov/MIHAF
Detroit Housing Resource Help Line
For heirs' property issues or general housing questions, call (866) 313-2520.
Emergency Steps If You Are Facing Tax Foreclosure
- Do not ignore notices from the Wayne County Treasurer. Every notice contains deadlines. Missing them eliminates your options.
- Contact the Wayne County Treasurer's Office immediately at (313) 224-5990 to ask about payment plans and deadlines.
- Call UCHC at (313) 725-4560 to schedule an appointment with a housing counselor. They can help negotiate on your behalf.
- Check whether you qualify for a property tax exemption. Detroit offers a Homeowner's Property Tax Exemption for low-income homeowners. Contact the City of Detroit Assessor's Office at (313) 224-3035.
- Apply for MIHAF assistance at Michigan.gov/MIHAF or call (844) 756-4423.
- Get legal help. Call Legal Aid and Defender at (877) 964-4700 if you need representation.
- Visit auctionblock.org/get-help for additional resources and guidance on tax foreclosure prevention.
Know Your Rights
- You have the right to receive written notice before your property is foreclosed.
- You have the right to pay delinquent taxes and stop the process up until the court-ordered deadline.
- You have the right to contest your property tax assessment if you believe it is inaccurate through the Board of Review process.
- Under recent Michigan Supreme Court rulings, you have the right to claim surplus proceeds if your property sold at auction for more than the taxes owed.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. AuctionBlock.org is a mission-driven company that has not yet served its first family. Tax foreclosure laws and programs change frequently. Verify all deadlines, eligibility requirements, and contact information directly with the agencies listed above. If you are facing tax foreclosure, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
Need help? Visit auctionblock.org/get-help to connect with resources in your area.