Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg Launches a Residential Property Tax Education Video Series

• The Oakland County Treasurer's Office has created a free, on-demand video series that explains how property taxes work-from assessment notices to foreclosure prevention-using clear, easy-to-understand language.
• The series features short explainer videos covering key and often-overlooked topics, including summer and winter tax bills, Michigan's three-year property tax foreclosure process, "pop-up" taxes, mortgage payoff tax planning and how to claim surplus proceeds after property tax foreclosure.
• The series also highlights how foreclosed surplus properties are maintained and transferred to the Oakland County Land Bank Authority to strengthen and revitalize neighborhoods across the county. The videos are available at oakgov.com/propertytaxeducation.

Pontiac, Mich., Dec. 17, 2025 - Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg today announced the launch of the Residential Property Tax Education Video Series, a free online learning resource designed to help residents better understand property taxes and avoid foreclosure.

The educational series features short, simple explainer videos that clarify how property taxes are assessed and collected, what occurs when taxes remain unpaid, and how to claim any surplus proceeds after a foreclosure auction. Each video simplifies complex property tax processes in clear language, so every homeowner can access and understand the information they need.

"Understanding property taxes is one of the most important parts of homeownership," said Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg. "We created this series to make property tax education accessible to everyone. Our goal is to empower residents with the knowledge and tools to plan, stay current, and reach out for help to prevent property tax foreclosure."

The Residential Property Tax Education Series includes the following videos:

• A Message from Treasurer Robert Wittenberg - The Treasurer shares why property tax education is vital to keeping residents informed, supported, and secure in their homes.
• Understanding Property Taxes Made Simple - An overview of what homeowners will learn through the educational video series.
• Understanding Your Assessment Notice - How to read your notice, what the numbers mean, and how to appeal.
• Reading Your Summer, Winter, and Village Property Tax Bills - What each bill funds, when they're due, and how to avoid penalties.
• Foreclosure Process Introduction - What happens when property taxes go unpaid, and how to prevent foreclosure through early action.
• Three-Year Property Tax Foreclosure Process - How foreclosure happens and what steps can stop it before it starts.
• Property Tax Foreclosure Claims Process - How to claim surplus proceeds if your foreclosed property sells for more than you owed.
• Surplus Property and the Oakland County Land Bank (OCLBA) - How surplus properties are transferred to the OCLBA to support redevelopment and neighborhood revitalization.
• Pop-Up Taxes Introduction - Why property taxes can rise after purchasing a home, and how to plan and prevent financial strain.
• Mortgage Payoff - Practical advice for homeowners who have paid off their mortgage on saving and budgeting for annual property taxes.
• We're Here to Help - A final reminder that assistance and payment options are available through the Oakland County Treasurer's Office.

This video series supports the Oakland County Treasurer's Office's continued efforts to increase public awareness and prevent residential property tax foreclosures. Making this information available online provides important resources to help Oakland County homeowners, and makes it easy to share with neighbors, family and friends.

The videos are available on the Oakland County Treasurer's website at oakgov.com/propertytaxeducation, along with assistance for homeowners who may be behind on property taxes.

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For interviews or more information, contact:

Renée T. Walker [email protected] (313) 719-8038