Wayne County homeowners behind on their property taxes are receiving information about their outstanding balances, foreclosure deadlines and available assistance through an outreach initiative led by the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office.
Beginning October 13, the office has been distributing yellow information bags to properties across the county that have reached forfeiture status. The bags contain important notices about the foreclosure process, upcoming deadlines, payment options and resources available to help property owners address delinquent taxes and protect their homes.
The outreach is intended to ensure homeowners understand where they stand in the property tax collection process and what steps they can take to prevent foreclosure.
The yellow bags also contain show-cause hearing notifications, which are required by law for properties subject to foreclosure. These notices provide property owners with information about their cases, along with resources to help them respond and explore options for resolving their tax debt.
In Wayne County, the property tax collection process generally spans three years, beginning when taxes become delinquent and potentially ending in foreclosure if the outstanding balance remains unpaid.
Property taxes become delinquent on March 1 following the year they are billed. At that point, unpaid taxes are transferred to the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office for collection.
If the balance remains unpaid, the property enters forfeiture status on March 1 of the following year. Additional interest and fees are added to the amount owed, but homeowners still have an opportunity to pay their outstanding balance or pursue available assistance to prevent foreclosure. Properties in this second year of the process are the focus of the current yellow bag distribution.
By the third year, properties with unresolved tax debt become subject to foreclosure. March 31 is generally the final deadline for property owners to redeem their properties before foreclosure proceedings move forward.
For example, property taxes billed in 2024 became delinquent on March 1, 2025. Those taxes entered forfeiture status on March 1, 2026, and the properties may become subject to foreclosure on March 31, 2027, if the balances remain unpaid.
As part of the current effort, yellow bags are being delivered to properties with any outstanding 2024 or prior-year property taxes as of October 5, 2026.
For homeowners who receive a yellow bag, the notice is an opportunity to review their property tax status and take action. Depending on individual circumstances, options may include establishing a payment plan, applying for eligible property tax assistance programs or contacting the Treasurer’s Office for guidance on resolving an outstanding balance.
The office encourages property owners not to ignore the notices or wait until foreclosure deadlines approach before seeking help. Understanding the amount owed, applicable deadlines and available resources can help homeowners make informed decisions about their next steps.
The yellow bag distribution is part of the Treasurer’s Office’s ongoing efforts to reach residents throughout Wayne County’s 43 communities. Throughout the year, staff members participate in neighborhood events and provide opportunities for residents to ask questions and receive information about property taxes and available services.
Additional outreach efforts include the 10th Annual Veterans Resource Fair, scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, virtual Ask The Treasurer events and the Wayne County Treasurer’s mobile unit, which brings information and services directly into communities.
Through these efforts, the office is working to make property tax information more accessible and connect residents with resources that may help them remain in their homes.
Homeowners who have questions about delinquent property taxes, foreclosure notices, payment arrangements or assistance programs can contact the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office at 313-224-5990.
Additional information about taxpayer assistance programs and available services can also be found at WayneCountyMI.gov/Treasurer.