How to Get Help Paying Delinquent Real Estate Taxes
Property taxes are the required fees you pay to have services provided in your neighborhood. It is easy to fall behind if you find yourself with a higher bill due to rising property values or are experiencing money problems, but failing to pay can result in late charges or the loss of your property in tax foreclosure. There are programs to help you avoid further problems and catch up on your taxes.
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Instructions
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Ensure your tax bill is accurate. If you notice errors, go to your local assessment office to have it reviewed. One type of error is paying fees for services you don't receive. Go over your tax bill line by line so you are prepared when you go to the local tax assessor's office, and bring photographs or other evidence to prove your case. The assessor may request to inspect your property, so make sure he can access the area he needs to see. Having mistakes corrected will help reduce what you currently owe.
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Go to your local tax office as soon as you know are unable to pay your tax bill to apply for help. Many have programs for taxpayers facing financial hardships, like abatement, when you don't have to pay a part or all of your taxes for a specific period of time. Installment payment plans are another way to catch up on any back taxes. Bring documents to prove any financial hardship and ask about all options available.
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Visit your local department of social services. Certain areas have low or no interest loan programs to help homeowners pay back real estate taxes in order to keep their home. Bring any documents you have that prove your income and your other bills.
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Apply for a loan. Many lenders have specific loans for paying back taxes. Check with your mortgage lender for more options, like setting up a tax or escrow account. Some lenders will allow you to set an account up even if your taxes are already overdue. You can make small monthly payments to this account as part of your mortgage bill. The money is then used to pay your taxes.
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Go to your city or town hall for information and applications for local grant programs. Local housing assistance programs may have grants that do not have to be repaid for delinquent tax bills. They will also be able to direct you to additional programs and agencies that can help. This will vary by area and restrictions may apply.
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References
Resources
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