Summer 2022

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Treasury: Fraudsters Using Fake Letters in Collections Scam
FROM WHMI 93.5 FM:  05/26/2022  

Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Livingston County taxpayers with past-due tax debts and others across the state are being warned about an aggressive scam making the rounds through the U.S. Postal Service.

The Michigan Department of Treasury says the fraudsters are using fake letters in a collections scam.

In the scheme, taxpayers receive a letter about an overdue tax bill that requests individuals immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve an outstanding state tax debt. The state says the letter aggressively threatens to seize a taxpayer’s property — including bank accounts, wages, business assets, cars, real estate, refunds and cash — if the debt is not settled.

Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White said they’ve received reports that taxpayers are receiving these letters. He stressed that taxpayers have rights and if anyone has questions about an outstanding state tax debt, they should contact them through a verified number to talk about options.

It was noted that the piece of correspondence appears credible to the taxpayer because it uses specific personal facts pulled directly from publicly available information. A press release states the scammer’s letter attempts to lure the taxpayer into a situation where they could make a payment to a criminal.

The state Treasury Department corresponds with taxpayers through official letters that use state of Michigan letterhead that embody both the names of the governor and state treasurer. The official letters are sent through the U.S. Postal Service and provide several options to resolve an outstanding debt and outline taxpayer rights.

Taxpayers who receive a letter from a scammer or have questions about their state debts should call Treasury’s Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265. Officials say a customer service representative can log the scam, verify outstanding state debts and provide flexible payment options.

https://www.michigan.gov/taxes

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Summer 2022 Taxes: Mailed out to Hamburg property owners on July 1, 2022. Due September 14, 2022 before 5:00 p.m. 

 After September 14, 2022, 5:00 p.m. interest will accrue as follows: 

1% September 15th

2% October 1st

3% November 1st

4% December 1st

5% January 1st

6% February 1st

Summer 2022 Taxes: Mailed out to Hamburg property owners on July 1, 2022. Due September 14, 2022. 1% interest will be added on September 15, 2% October 1st, 3% November 1st, 4% December 1st, 5% January 1st and 6% February 1st. (Do not add interest to administrative fee.

Summer 2022 taxes are payable in the Hamburg Township Treasurer's Office through February 28, 2023. If delinquent, please call the Treasurer's Office at 810-231-1000 Ext. 205 to verify the amount due which will include interest and penalties. 

If you complete an Application for Deferment of Summer 2022 Taxes, and qualify for the deferment, your Summer 2022 Taxes are due by February 14, 2023, without penalty or interest.

Please be advised that interest accrues monthly on the above dates for any unpaid balance due.

• Winter 2022 Taxes: Mailed out to Hamburg property owners on December 1, 2022.
• Debit/Credit Card Payments: All payments are processed immediately on your credit or debit card. 

For more information on making payments, click on "pay my bill on the home page"

Please make all checks payable to: Hamburg Township Treasurer. The mailing address is:
10405 Merrill Road
P.O. Box 157
Hamburg, Michigan 48139-0157

After hours payments may be placed in the Drop Box in front of the Township Hall Offices building, and will be collected and processed on the next business day.

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK OUT FOR THE EXACT AMOUNT. Overpayments are returned in full to the taxpayer; underpayments are receipted in and a bill for the balance is mailed to the tax payer.

Tax Tips

• IF YOU HAVE AN ESCROW ACCOUNT WITH YOUR BANK OR MORTGAGE COMPANY, PLEASE DO NOT PAY YOUR TAX BILL.
• We recommend that you confirm with your escrow agent that they have requested a tax bill from our office. Duplicate payments are refunded to the party who paid last.
• It is not always possible to break large bills, as the office keeps minimal change on hand for security reasons. Please pay with smaller denominations when possible.
• Current taxes may be paid with credit card or E-check online and we now accept  credit card/debit payments at the Township offices. Information is located on the back of your tax bill. Please note there is a convenience fee associated with this type of payment.