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CP Expirations Legal Changes
There has been a change in CP Liens that is applicable to lienholders. Beginning September, 2019, SB1236 will include a provision that modifies the language in §A.R.S. 42-18127 Section A.
The original certificate of purchase, in addition to all subsequent taxes (sub taxes) will expire if an action to foreclose has not commenced within ten years after the last day of the month in which the original certificate was acquired.
Pursuant to this legislation, tax liens eligible for expiration will include the original certificate and all related sub taxes in the expiration process. Those liens with deadlines that are already in effect will not be affected however it will affect all future sub taxing liens so that the deadline will expire within a ten year period after the last day of the month that it was acquired and time limits cannot be extended to the original purchase.
You should consult your attorney for further advice.
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Elderly Assistance Program
We have been receiving many phone calls from seniors expressing shock and dismay at the significant increase in their property tax bills. It is tragic. Treasurer Royce T. Flora has been trying for five years to get the legislature to reclassify low-income seniors’ homes in order to lower their ever-increasing property taxes. Several different players have defeated these efforts each year, which has led to a doubling of many folks’ property taxes this year. Treasurer Flora is not giving up. Please click on this LINK to read a letter to legislators explaining the Treasurer’s disappointment in their failure to help our needy seniors. With the enthusiastic help of Representatives Bob Thorpe (R-Flagstaff) and Anthony Kern (R-Phoenix), Treasurer Flora will again champion the effort to get a bill passed by legislators and signed by the governor in 2020.
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Beware of Alternate Tax Payment Websites!
Please be aware of other property tax payment websites which could mislead you to believe they are the Maricopa County Treasurer’s website. Although you can make payments through them, they are not our official agent and will charge you processing fees. We have no control over payments made through them.
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| Press Release |
County Treasurer Forced To File Bar Complaint Against Appointed County Attorney Adel
Phoenix, AZ - The elected Maricopa County Treasurer Royce Flora is considering a lawsuit against the Board of Supervisors for interfering with his Constitutional duty to run his Office. He has asked for outside counsel so he can have the opportunity to speak candidly with competent council on the issues, and as he recognizes the clear conflict interest with the County Attorney. The County Attorney is counsel to the Board and as such Treasurer Flora cannot engage in direct conversation with the County Attorney and violate attorney/client privilege. The County Attorney is the legal attorney for the County Treasurer normally, but because the County Attorney is legal counsel to the BOS, she cannot represent Treasurer Flora.
The Office of Treasurer is not subordinate to a county governing Board of Supervisors. The Office of Treasurer is a statutory/constitutional office having independent authority under state law and state constitution.
The use of the term "Office" implies inherent powers and independent sovereignty, NOT another "department" of county government.
The internal operation of an Office of Treasurer is the sole responsibility of the elected Treasurer.
Aware of the conflict, Treasurer Flora initially sent a request for outside counsel to the county attorney assigned to the Treasurer’s office. Then he sent his request directly to County Attorney Allister Adel. He didn’t receive a response from Ms. Adel. However, he did eventually receive a response from Tom Liddy, Civil Division Chief of the County Attorney’s Office. “Clearly Ms. Adel does not feel an elected officer to elected officer response is warranted. This also adds to the inherent conflict in her office,” Mr. Flora stated. He adds, “The conflict is further exacerbated by the fact that Ms. Adel was appointed by the Board, so she likely has allegiance to the Board and is conflicted as a result.”
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| Press Release |
Maricopa County Treasurer Willing to Loan $1 Billion to State for Coronavirus Crisis
Phoenix, AZ (July 21, 2020) - Maricopa County Treasurer, Royce T. Flora announced today that his office is willing to loan the State of Arizona $1 billion dollars to fight the economic damage from the Coronavirus outbreak in Arizona.
"The State of Arizona is a COVID-19 hotspot. We are experiencing significant damage to local businesses. Arizona’s Health Care industry needs additional resources for testing and personal protective equipment and Maricopa County is in a position to help the State financially to combat this virus," said Royce T. Flora, Maricopa County Treasurer. "We can loan one billion dollars to the State from our portfolio to fight COVID-19 and the loan will have little effect on County taxpayers," he added.
The funds would come from Maricopa County’s investment portfolio which as of last month, had an annual high balance of $6.7 billion. The Maricopa County Treasurer's Office invests funds in short-term investment opportunities to generate revenue that is dispersed back into our economy. With interest rates near zero, this money is in our accounts and needs to be put into production.
To arrange an interview with Maricopa County Treasurer, Royce Flora, contact us at (602) 506-8511
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| Press Release |
Tax Deadline Update
I’m extremely disappointed to report despite all our efforts to request to extend the delinquency date to pay 2019 property taxes, no action has taken place. Senate President Karen Fann expressed support at first, and although many legislators have enthusiastically voiced their support, there doesn’t appear to be any progress. There has been no response from House Speaker Rusty Bowers or from Governor Doug Ducey.
I will continue to fight to get relief for homeowners including an extension and/or waiver. However, if the Legislature and the Governor do not extend the deadline and if you are unable to pay the balance of 2019 property taxes by May 1st at 5:00pm, here is a suggestion for you to make your own one-month extension: If you pay late, you will incur an interest penalty. We suggest you pay on the last business day of the month, because whether you pay May 2nd or May 29th, the interest amount is the same.
Regrettably, there is no other relief County Treasurers can provide for homeowners; I am restricted by law. Only the Legislature can change the law and that seems unlikely.
Additionally, after consultation with the County Attorney’s Office, I have determined there is a legal way to provide some relief to some taxpayers. ARS 42-18056 G gives County Treasurers the authority to “enter into a payment plan agreement” with business personal property taxpayers who become delinquent on their taxes of more than $1000. Those qualifying businesses will receive a letter explaining what action to take.
I wish you all well and please stay safe.
With great respect,
Royce T. Flora
Maricopa County Treasurer
Senate President Karen Fann 602-926-5874
Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers 602-926-3128
Governor Doug Ducey 602-542-4331
Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office 602-506-8511
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| Press Release |
Maricopa County Treasurer Royce Flora Continues His Commitment to Extend Property Tax Payment Deadline
Treasurer Royce Flora continues his commitment and push for the Legislature to extend the delinquent date to pay 2019 property taxes and to waive all penalties and interest. Treasurer Flora has sent formal requests to the Legislature and the Governor to call a Special Session to address the extension and the waiver. Unfortunately, as of this date, the Legislature still has not acted and the Governor has yet to respond.
Many legislators, including Senate President Karen Fann, have voiced support to get this done. But still no real action; more need to step up and do it.
“This is really a simple fix that will help relieve some financial stress that so many of our citizens are feeling at this time of crisis, trying to provide for their families and put food on the table or pay taxes,” Treasurer Flora says. “There is still time for the Legislature to do this, but time is running out.”
As stated in the April 6th letter to the Governor, the “extension will in no way negatively impact any of the scheduled disbursements to school districts, fire districts, or any special districts. All 15 County Treasurers (have joined Treasurer Royce Flora and) agree that the disbursements will proceed as planned. But all 15 also agree that this extension will give (critically needed) relief to many homeowners who are being negatively impacted by this pandemic.”
As a citizen/taxpayer you can also have influence in this issue. Please contact your legislator and/or the Governor and voice your opinion. Make your voice heard.
Senate President Karen Fann 602-926-5874
Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers 602-926-3128
Governor Doug Ducey 602-542-4331
With great respect,
Royce T. Flora
Maricopa County Treasurer
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| Press Release |
Maricopa County Treasurer Royce Flora Asks the Governor
to Extend Property Tax Payment Deadline
Dear Honorable Governor Doug Ducey,
As Maricopa County Treasurer I respectfully and urgently request that you, as Governor of the great State of Arizona, help taxpayers during these difficult times by calling a Special Session of the State Legislature in order to address tax issues, including extending the deadline to pay the second half of 2019 property taxes to at least June 1, 2020.
We have asked the Legislature to take action ; while many have expressed interest, the response has been disappointingly slow. The push back has been from paid lobbyists with agendas who care more about revenue than about citizens. The recent Executive Order has shut down many businesses causing lost wages and lost jobs. It would appear the citizens of Arizona are nothing more than a revenue source for government. Arizona citizens are dying while government puts revenue above people. Interestingly, government workers are paid regardless, even though many sit idly at home adding no value for taxpayers.
Why haven’t the experts at the Offices who deal directly with these issues been consulted? We have the facts. This is a time-sensitive issue and must be addressed immediately. This 30-day extension will in no way negatively impact any of the scheduled disbursements to school districts, fire districts, or any special districts. All 15 County Treasurers agree that the disbursements will proceed as planned. But all 15 also agree that this extension will give relief to many homeowners who are being negatively impacted by this pandemic.
In Maricopa County, the average amount of interest and penalties paid because of delinquencies during May is about $560,000. (That’s approximately the cost of mailing a tax notice to all homeowners with mortgages in our county as required by Sen. Vince Leach’s SB1113.) Even if you double that to $1,120,000, for the entire month, that is still a small loss considering the Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office has over $300 Million flowing through its coffers each week.*corrected The loss is “relatively insignificant” and is more than made up in our interest earnings projected to exceed $100 Million for FY2020.
Other states have taken similar action (https://napta.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-NAPTA-.pdf). Arizona needs to provide relief to taxpayers. We hope and pray for a quick recovery and to get back to normal; however, we do not know that timeline. Even if that happens, much damage has already occurred and many will continue to struggle; and some families and businesses may not ever fully recover from the economic damage.
Royce T. Flora
Maricopa County Treasurer
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| Press Release |
Maricopa County Treasurer Royce Flora Asks Legislature
to Extend Property Tax Payment Deadline
Phoenix, AZ (March 26, 2020) - Maricopa County Treasurer Royce Flora today asked the Arizona Legislature to extend the deadline for property owners to pay the second half of 2019 property taxes to June 1st. Taxes on all commercial and residential properties are currently due and are considered past due May 1st.
"With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact our citizens, many of whom have lost their job, the last thing people need to worry about right now is how to pay their property taxes," said Treasurer Royce Flora. "Some people are struggling with paying rent, utilities, and food for their family so we are asking the legislature to give us the authority to extend the deadline to pay property taxes to help families," he added.
The Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office is also asking the Legislature to give all County Treasurers throughout the state the authority to waive all penalties and interest associated with any delinquent property tax.
"We hope the State Legislature will make a quick decision in favor of taxpayers at a time when they need Government help the most," said Treasurer Flora.
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October 24, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
COUNTY TREASURER ROYCE FLORA RESPONDS TO UNWARRANTED ATTACK
BY LEACH
The political attack made by Vince Leach, from Pinal County, on the Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office is neither factual nor warranted. The Maricopa County Treasurer has complied with the new law to mail out 2019 Property Tax notices to property owners with a mortgage. As required by SB1033, “ARS § 42-18054: (a) tax statement sent to the mortgagor shall be a written document and may be in any form established by the county treasurer.” This was done.
In an effort to mitigate the costs of this unfunded mandate, Treasurer Royce Flora designed a postcard-size notice like the ones discontinued four years ago because it duplicated information already provided to the taxpayer from both the Assessor and the mortgage companies. Mr. Leach’s unfunded mandate in the SB1033 law cost Maricopa County taxpayers an additional $230,000.00 for printing and mailing, alone. That is not “childish” money.
Mr. Leach’s complaints appear to be a form of retaliation against Treasurer Flora and this office. Mr. Leach did not support Treasurer Flora’s efforts to protect low-income seniors from ever increasing property taxes, and helped lead the effort to kill the bill putting seniors at risk of losing their homes. Mr. Leach was told about the cost before the bill passed and his statement to the Treasurer’s PIO was “have fun.” Maybe that is why people in his county have higher taxes than we do in Maricopa County.
The Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office is the most transparent government entity in the state of Arizona. All our statements, processes, and taxpayer information is on our website, in addition to the several mailings and email blasts throughout the year. Our website is easily accessed and user-friendly. In fact, over 300,000 property owners have accessed our website for their specific property tax information, in addition to general information that it provides.
Treasurer Flora will continue to look for ways to lower costs to taxpayers and, in particular, will work with like-minded elected officials to relieve the tax burden on low income seniors. Mr. Leach clearly is not one of them.
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