CHAPTER 3 What Happens When You Don’t Pay Your Property Taxes Nobody enjoys it when the annual property tax bill hits their mailbox. This is when we feel like grabbing up the phone, calling the tax collectors, and telling them, “Hey guys, just give me a break, please?” Let’s be realistic. As mentioned, the property taxes we pay support local education, police/fire protection, local governments, some free medical services, and most of other local infrastructure. These property taxes play a vital role in bettering our lives and providing for services in our neighborhoods.
SO, YOU HAVEN'T PAID...
Be prepared to receive a call or letter from the county collections office if you happen to have fallen behind in paying your property taxes. In this scenario, the tax collector—the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in the U.S.—is able to employ various collection techniques to get the money owed; worse, you could end up losing your property. An established method by the government is already in place. The Treasurer’s Office disseminates notices via certified mail, demanding the delinquent account holder to settle his/her bills. In some instances, the county takes a step further and prints public notices in newspapers and other relevant communication media, listing the property tax accounts that have an outstanding balance, the delinquent owner of the account, as well as the amount owed. 11
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