When your property taxes become due, not paying on time can have painful consequences. Even if you lost your job, your car needs an expensive overhaul, a flood ruined your house and you are a real pickle …, you’d think the picture of "benevolent public infrastructure" that a friendly town likes to tout would show compassion?

Even if someone is economically stressed and can’t cut a check for their property taxes, don’t expect a listening, understanding or sympathetic ear. For most states, outstanding property tax bills are assessed a fine of 1 percent per month after the date due, plus a 10 percent penalty after 90 days.

After that seizing physical property may become inevitably. The town can take personal property after its taxes have gone unpaid for several months besides the consequence of putting your home up for tax sale and leaving you homeless.

Check you tax dates. Even if you did not receive a letter, you are ultimately responsible for timely payment.