When homeowners fail to pay their property taxes, it triggers a series of events that can ultimately lead to the loss of their property. Here’s a breakdown of the process: Late Payment and Late Charges: If a property tax bill is not paid by the due date, it incurs late charges. The property owner is given a grace period to pay the overdue amount. Delinquency: After April 30 if no payment is received, the tax bill becomes delinquent. At this point, the tax collector can take action to collect the overdue taxes. Tax Lien Sale: The tax collector initiates a tax lien sale through an auction. Tax Certificate Ownership: The winning bidder becomes the owner of the tax certificate, entitling them to collect the overdue taxes from the property owner addition fees and interest on the unpaid amount, which can be as high as 18%. Redemption Period: The property owner has a redemption period, typically two years, to pay off the tax certificate and redeem their property. During this time, they must pay the original tax amount plus any accrued fees and interest to the tax certificate owner. Tax Deed Sale: If the tax certificate is not redeemed within the redemption period, the tax certificate owner can initiate a tax deed sale. This involves foreclosing on the property or waiting until seven years have passed since the issuance of the tax certificate to initiate this process. At the tax deed sale, the property is auctioned off to the highest bidder, and the proceeds are used to pay off the overdue taxes and any associated costs. If there are any remaining proceeds, they are typically returned to the former property owner. Overall, failing to pay property taxes can lead to serious consequences, including the loss of property through a tax deed sale. It’s essential for property owners to stay informed about their tax obligations and take prompt action to avoid falling into delinquency.