LANSING – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended the state’s tax foreclosure deadline because of the COVID-19 National Emergency.

Under state law, properties with unpaid 2017 taxes were subject to foreclosure by county treasurers on March 31. The order moves the March 31 deadline to May 29 or 30 days after the state of emergency ends.

The measure helps families struggling financially because of the COVID-19 national emergency.

Anyone facing tax foreclosure under the new deadline is encouraged to call their local county treasurer right away.