Delinquent tax rescue program goes live

Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner is announcing Oakland County's participation in a new property tax foreclosure prevention initiative that will help pay the delinquent taxes, interest, and fees of eligible homeowners up to $30,000 from federal "Hardest Hit" dollars administered by the Michigan Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) under the program name, Step Forward Michigan, Loan Rescue Program (www.stepforwardmichigan.org ). Step Forward Michigan's Loan Rescue Program for delinquent taxes went live on Tuesday. "We want to have every eligible Oakland County family first in line," said Meisner. "This helps families keep their homes, and helps the county's bottom line." Under the program, delinquent taxpayers may be eligible to have their delinquent taxes, interest, fees, and condominium association dues paid off from a pool of federal foreclosure relief dollars Michigan received initially for mortgage foreclosure prevention, but is now expanding eligibility to include payment of back taxes. In order to qualify, homeowners must live in their home as a primary residence, demonstrate a significant hardship that has caused them to fall behind on their property tax obligations, and they can't have more than 6 months of family cash reserves. Previous beneficiaries of other Hardest Hit/Step Forward Michigan programs are not eligible. "We're working closely with certified housing counselors throughout Oakland County to get the word out about this extraordinary opportunity," said Meisner. For additional information, visit www.stepforwardmichigan.org, or call the hotline at 866-946-7432. Published: Wed, Jan 16, 2013