Treasurer: Help is available

Wayne County Treasurer Raymond J. Wojtowicz wants to help taxpayers avoid foreclosure and is reminding homeowners that help is available.

With more than 23,000 properties from tax year 2008 being subject to tax foreclosure this year, the Wayne County treasurer is heightening awareness of the Taxpayer Assistance Program available to property owners.

Wojtowicz started the program years ago in order to help people stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure by arranging to pay delinquent property taxes.

March 31 is the deadline to pay delinquent 2008 taxes or to make payment arrangements without penalty.

The Taxpayer Assistance Program campaign entitled “Let’s Talk” was created in 2010.

The program, according to Wojtowicz, is an outreach effort that engages the faith-based community and community organizations to reach those who need help.

The Treasurer’s Office regularly hosts informational meetings on the state of property, tax delinquencies and foreclosures in the county, Wojtowicz said, adding that other options are available to taxpayers.

Questions can be sent via email to taxinfo@co.wayne.mi.us.

Taxpayers can also contact the Taxpayer Assistance Program at 313-224-6105 and www.treasurer.waynecounty.com.