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Supreme Court Case Could Impact Michigan Tax Foreclosures

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this week in Pung v. Isabella County, a case that could affect Michigan homeowners facing tax foreclosures.
The Pung family says their Fifth and Eighth Amendment rights were violated when their home, valued at nearly $200,000, was sold for $76,000 to settle a $2,241.93 tax bill.
Attorney Philip Ellison says the county owes the difference, calling it "stolen equity," and a ruling for the Pungs could open class action lawsuits against counties.
The ruling is expected by summer and could impose hundreds of millions in potential costs on counties.

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Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments this week in Pung v. Isabella County, a case that could affect Michigan homeowners facing tax foreclosures.
The Pung family says their Fifth and Eighth Amendment rights were violated when their home, valued at nearly $200,000, was sold for $76,000 to settle a $2,241.93 tax bill.
Attorney Philip Ellison says the county owes the difference, calling it "stolen equity," and a ruling for the Pungs could open class action lawsuits against counties.
The ruling is expected by summer and could impose hundreds of millions in potential costs on counties.