Financial Hardship Policy & Application

Assistance

The objective of Muskegon County and the Muskegon County Treasurer is to assist delinquent taxpayers to fulfill their Real Property Tax obligation in order to avoid any foreclosure on any property the owner wishes to maintain.

Deferrals

Hardship Deferrals, under most circumstances, are designed to delay foreclosure deadlines by one year for owners who are actively working to catch up their delinquent property taxes. Hardship Deferrals are aimed at homeowners, but may be granted occasionally for small, family businesses or commercial property that is the primary source of the owner’s income. 

In order to ensure that all property owners in Muskegon County are treated equitably, information concerning the availability of a Hardship Deferral will be provided to all taxpayers facing foreclosure prior to the Show Cause and Court hearings.

Review

The law requires the Treasurer to review an applicant’s income and allows the Treasurer to grant hardships to property owners whose household income is at or below the federal poverty income standards (as defined and determined annually by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget). 

However, the Muskegon County Treasurer will consider extenuating circumstances that may create a financial hardship even if an applicant’s income is higher than the federal standards. Withholding the property from the foreclosure petition is the sole judgment of the County Treasurer. Individual situations may be considered as part of the application process.

Granting of Hardship Status

Granting of financial hardship status shall only be for the current year pending foreclosure; it extends only the time to pay the amount due. Additional expenses, interest, and penalties may continue to accrue.