5 Things to Know About Paying Summer Taxes

Bloomfield Township Hall has been bustling with activity this week as residents do the inevitable: pay their summer property taxes. With the deadline looming at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Patch caught up with Treasurer Dan Devine, who laid out five things to know about paying your summer taxes.

1. Tax bills sent in mid-June are due without interest by the end of business on Wednesday.

2. There are several convenient ways to pay. Visit the treasurer's section of the township website for details on how to pay online, by phone or credit card. You can always use the drop box in the lobby at Township Hall or stand in line with your neighbors.

3. Residents 62 years of age or older and with household income less than $40,000 per year last year may qualify for a deferment of summer taxes. This is also potentially available for:

• paraplegic or quadriplegic residents
• eligible servicepersons, veterans, widows or widowers
• blind residents
• totally and permanently disabled residents.

4. If you are having trouble making your tax payments call the treasurer at 248-433-7704, who will try to help you in any way he can.

5. Do not let your taxes go delinquent past Feb. 28, 2012. Oakland County takes jurisdiction over delinquent taxes and the interest and penalties are non-negotiable.

"There are always things we can do to try and work something out," Devine said. "It's the saddest part of my job to hear people are losing their home to the county."