A beginners guide to delinquent property taxes

Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, one of these being the payment of property taxes. Property taxes are due each year and are used by local governments to pay for public resources such as parks, schools, public safety workers, and more. 

If you don’t pay these taxes and allow them to pile up, you’ll be noted by the government as a delinquent taxpayer. This is why it’s crucial to understand what it means to be a delinquent taxpayer and how to remove the status if you’re unable to pay. 

When are homeowners considered "delinquent taxpayers?”

Every state has guidelines on when taxes are due and at what point after nonpayment they are considered delinquent. 

Local governments typically operate off the fiscal year, which runs from July 1st to June 30th. Most states have a due date at the beginning of the year for taxes to be paid, and anything after this date is considered to be delinquent.  

How do homeowners remove themselves from the delinquent taxpayer list?

If there are tax liens against your home, and you’ve been listed on the delinquent taxpayer list, good news - there are ways to be removed from the record. 

The first and most common way is through a payment agreement where you pay off the amount due over a give time frame. 

You can also get rid of a delinquent status by utilizing property tax aid provided by your state if you qualify for tax relief. 

Property taxes can be intimidating at times. However, your local government division provides online and in-person resources to help you understand your tax payment options.