Property Tax Amnesty Program

September 1 - November 30, 2009

Albany County is offering a one-time only amnesty program CUTTING IN HALF the amount of interest due on delinquent real property taxes owed to the County, which are paid from September 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009.

Interest will return to the full amount due on December 1st.

Payment must be received by the County within the program time period to qualify. This program applies to interest only. No reduction of principal, penalties or other fees will be made.

Act now! This program will not be extended or repeated.

Installment Plans will be suspended during this period to allow taxpayers to take advantage of these reduced rates

County foreclosure deed filings will be suspended until December 1, 2009. In December, foreclosure actions will resume. All taxes older than 2007 will be foreclosed in 2010.

This is NOT a TAX LIEN SALE!

Stay Informed!

Email us at finance@albanycounty.com to be added to our Real Property Auction mailing list. We'll keep you up-to-date on changes to pending foreclosure lists, press coverage and other related developments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Scroll down this page to read the answers to common questions about this program. If you don't see the answer to your question here, please feel free to email us at finance@albanycounty.com for more information.

When does the Program begin?

The program begins September 1, 2009 and ends November 30, 2009. Only payments received during this time period will qualify.

Who qualifies?

Anyone who wants to pay delinquent property and school taxes due to Albany County during the program period qualifies.

Do I have to own the property to pay the taxes?

No. Mortgage holders, lienholders, leaseholders, and other persons having a property interest may wish to pay delinquent taxes to preserve their rights as to the property.

How much will I save?

The interest rate on delinquent real property and school taxes owed to the County will be cut in half during this time period. For example, a tax bill delinquent 36 months that had a 36% interest rate attached would be cut in half to 18% interest during this Program period.

When is the last day to pay at the reduced rate?

All payments must be received in our office by 4:30pm on November 30, 2009. November postmarked mail received in December will not qualify.

Do I have to pay ALL tax years due now?

No. You must pay off delinquent taxes in order from most recent to oldest tax lien (2008, then 2007, then 2006), however.

Can I make Partial Payments on specific tax liens?

No. Partial payments on delinquent taxes are not allowed. You can pay off any lien year due in-full (e.g., 2008), or pay all taxes due on the parcel (2008, 2007, 2006). Payments must be applied to the most recent delinquent tax bill and work back to the oldest. Foreclosure actions are in progress on the oldest lien, however.

When will the County foreclose on the unpaid delinquent taxes?

By the end of 2010 all taxes older than 2007 will be foreclosed. Any parcels mailed a Notice of Foreclosure prior to September 1, 2009 will be taken in January 2010.

Will this program be offered again in 2010?

This is a one-time-only program prompted by an unprecedented economic crisis. This program will not be re-opened or repeated.

What happens to the Properties that remain unpaid in 2010?

Auctions are scheduled for May and October 2010 to sell anything taken. Brochures will be available on-line 5 weeks prior to those auction dates. Please see www.albanycounty.com/auction for more details.

Can I buy these properties before the County forecloses?

The County will not take title to tax delinquent properties between September 1 and November 30, 2009. These properties will remain privately owned until a foreclosure judgment is signed by the Court. If you are purchasing from a current owner please makes sure that you have a deed prior to paying taxes—payment of taxes does not transfer ownership! The County will not refund payments made on tax bills.

I see information about Foreclosure Sales on the Court House steps, are these County owned parcels?

No. The County forecloses under provisions of the Real Property Tax Law, enforcing on 1200+ unpaid tax bills in a single action. Banks and Mortgage companies foreclose on individual parcels under the other laws. NOTE: unlike cases of mortgage foreclosures, the County does not distribute surplus from tax foreclosure auction sales.

Why are there lists of properties posted on the County’s website?

The County has a strong focus on collection. Foreclosure is a last resort. The County posts lists of properties in the final stages of foreclosure so that interested parties can contact owners who may be willing to sell properties pre-foreclosure.

What happens to the Delinquent Taxes due when I buy the property?

Delinquent taxes are enforced against the property, not the owner. You must pay all taxes due or you will lose the property—a change in ownership will not stop the County’s foreclosure actions.

How can I make certain that no delinquent taxes are due on properties I am buying?

The County provides certified tax searches for a charge of $25.00 per parcel tax map number searched, identifying all delinquent taxes due. Please call (518) 447-7092 to order a certified search. You must provide the parcel tax map number when ordering these searches.

What is a Tax Lien Sale?

Some municipalities opt to sell their liens in order to generate up-front cash. In these instances the purchaser acquires the right to enforce the lien by foreclosing upon the property. Albany County does not sell its tax liens.

For more information and assistance on your mortgage loan:

• HopeNow : An alliance between counselors, servicers, investors and other mortgage industry participants to assist distressed homeowners.
• MortgageTown : Sponsored by the National Consumers League. Educates consumers on the step-by-step process of obtaining a mortgage.
• Neighborworks America : A national nonprofit organization created by Congress to provide financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts.
• Information on Foreclosure Rescue Scams , published by the Federal Trade Commission.