Bloomfield Winter Property Tax Payments Due Valentine's Day

Though today is indeed the day set aside to spoil the ones you love, don't forget to set aside a little time for "tax man." Winter taxes are due today in both Bloomfield Township and , and must be received by the end of business hours to avoid additional charges. Postmarks are not accepted.

Bloomfield Township

The days leading up to today's deadline have been surprisingly quiet, compared with recent years of a full-on recession, said Treasurer Dan Devine. Instead of scheduling meetings with residents or counseling them on payment plans, Devine's actually had time to concentrate on the township's quarterly investment reports and outlining the annual budget process, which is about to get under way.

"The last two years my phone was ringing off the hook right about this time about deferments," said Devine, who noted there were too many sad stories to keep count.

Though he won't have final numbers to bear it out for a few weeks, Devine said he believes the number of people needing help from his office is declining. There are still several options for residents that need help.

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 servicemen or women, veterans, widows or widowers
• blind residents
• totally and permanently disabled residents.

Any outstanding tax payments must be made by Feb. 29, 2012, or they will be turned over to the Oakland County Treasurer with additional penalties on March 1, 2012.

"We can't do anything for them after that point because it's in the county's hands," Devine said.

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. A dropbox is available at Bloomfield Township Hall during regular business hours, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

If you are having trouble making your tax payments call the treasurer at 248-433-7704.

Bloomfield Hills

Residents of Bloomfield Hills face the same deadline for submitting their winter tax payments today as well. Statements were mailed on Nov. 29, and anyone that did not receive one should call 248-530-1402.

Like the township, all unpaid property taxes are turned over to the county on March 1. A notice on the city's website cautions residents that "no extensions allowed after the final noted due date."

Taxes can be paid online or by telephone. Please visit www.paylocaltaxes.com to pay over the Internet with Visa, Discover, Mastercard, or by E-Check. Enter your Parcel I.D. number or your property address and enter your code number and tax type (summer or winter). The information is on the tax bill. Please note the website provides details of fees assessed for the payment service. To pay by telephone, please call 1-888-600-3773 and follow instructions.

Payments will be accepted at City Hall during regular business hours, and a decorative box is also located in the lobby of the , which is open 24 hours.

All payment arrangements after March 1 must be made by contacting the Oakland County Treasurer's Office at (248) 858-0611.