Q: My tax bills are calculated on taxable value, what is taxable value?

A: Taxable value began in 1995 as part of Proposal A.  Taxable values are adjusted each year by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5%, whichever is less, unless there is a transfer of title.  Your taxable value cannot be greater than your state equalized value.  In other words, Proposal A “capped” taxable value increases by the CPI or 5% whichever is less, unless there is an uncapable event. (see next question)

 

Q: Can my taxable value increase more than the rate of inflation?

A: Yes, if:

• A sale and/or title transfer occurs.  In the year following a sale and/or title transfer, the property becomes “uncapped” making the state equalized value (SEV) and taxable value the same.  Michigan law states that actual sale price must not be the sole basis for the new SEV for that property.

• New construction to a property is added to the taxable value.

• The value of items omitted from the previous year(s) assessed value added to the taxable value.

 

Q: If my taxes are based on taxable value, why is there an assessed value?

A: The Michigan Constitution still requires all properties to be assessed annually at 50% of market value.

 

Q: How was my assessed value determined?

A:  Assessors use a state-required mass appraisal method to value properties.  We project land values from sales data and building values from a state cost manual.  Then, we analyze sales data from your neighborhood and develop factors we use to further adjust our projections to reflect local market value.

 

Q: I haven't made any improvements to my house. Why did my assessed value change?

A:  Your market value can change even when there is no physical change to your property.  A growing economy or increasing population can push housing values steadily upward.  The assessor does not create increases in property value.  He/she recognizes changes as they occur and must adjust values accordingly.

 

Q: Why is my change in assessed value different than my neighbor's?

A:  Assessed value changes vary according to the individual characteristics of houses in relation to sales in your area.  Building style, size and amenities such as porches, decks, garages, and extra bathrooms affect value estimates.

 

Q: My assessed value didn't change, by my taxable value increased. Why?

A:  The current sales information for your neighborhood may show no value increase over last year’s value.  However, the taxable value is tied to the Consumer Price Index and is calculated annually causing an increase in your taxable value.

 

Q: How do I know if my assessed value is reasonable?

A:  Compare the market value of your property with sales of similar homes in your neighborhood.  The sales should be on homes that are similar to yours in size, style, age and condition.  The assessor’s office has sales information to assist you.  (Assessed Value = ½ of Market Value)

 

Q: I just bought a new house, why isn't my assessed value one half of my sale price?

A:  Michigan law prohibits assessors from basing values on one sale price.  We are required to value your property based on the methods used to value other properties in your area.  While we hope our value estimate is close to your sale price, it is an estimate and may not be the same as your recent sale.

 

Q: What if I disagree with the assessed value of my property?

A:  Appeals are heard each year at the March Board of Review, either by letter or in person.  This step preserves your appeal rights for further action at Michigan Tax Tribunal.

 

Q: What is a property transfer affidavit?

A:  Changes in state law after Proposal A created a requirement for property transfer affidavits to be filed on all transfers not specifically exempt.  An affidavit must be filed whenever title of real estate or buildings on leased land is transferred.  It must be filed even if you are not recording a deed.  Filing with the local assessor is mandatory.

 

Q: Where do I obtain and file the affidavit?

A:  Property transfer affidavits can be obtained from closing agents such as a title office, Register of Deeds office, financial institution or attorney.  They can also be obtained at your local assessor’s office or County Equalization office.  The new owner must file the affidavit with the local assessor within 45 days of the transfer.  Click here for an electronic copy.

 

Q: What is the purpose of the affidavit?

A:  Assessors use the affidavit to assure that the tax bill is transferred properly and that the parcel’s taxable value is reviewed.

 

Q: What is a "transfer of ownership"?

A:  State law defines a “transfer of ownership” as the “conveyance of title to or from one person or entity to another, including the beneficial use of the property.”  Transfer documents include deeds, land contracts, death certificates, certain court orders and a variety of transactions outlined on the back of the affidavit form.

 

Q: What happens after ownership of a property is transferred?

A:  The Michigan Constitution limits how much a property’s taxable value can increase while owned by the same person.  Once the property is transferred, the assessor must change the taxable value to 50% of the property’s usual selling price.  In other words, in the year following the sale the taxable value equals the current state equalized value. 

 

Q: Are certain types of transfers exempt from adjustment?

A:  YES.  Some of the exempt transactions include changes in ownership solely to exclude or include a spouse, transferring a property into a trust where the sole beneficiary is the creator of the trust or that person’s spouse, redemption from a tax sale, or transfer to effect a foreclosure.  Some of the exempt transactions are listed on the affidavit form and full descriptions are in MCL Section 211.27a(7)(a-m).

 

Q: What is the Principal Residence (Homestead) Exemption?

A:  State law grants a Principal Residence (Homestead) exemption from local school operating taxes for Principal Residence and Qualified Agricultural properties.  Currently this is a reduction of 18 mills of school tax.  This exemption may not exceed 18 mills of school tax. See FAQ here.

 

Q: How do I qualify for the exemption?

A:  To qualify you must own the property and occupy it as your legal, primary residence.  The deadline to qualify for any given year is May 1st of that year.  Buyers who close and/or occupy the residence after that date are eligible for exemption in the following year, unless the previous owner qualified for the exemption prior to May 1st of the year of closing, in which case the exemption would stay in place until Dec 31st of that year.

 

Q: What form do I use?

A:  If this is your first Principal Residence (Homestead) application or you are buying a property that was not previously homesteaded, you can use the Affidavit for Principal Residence (Homestead) Exemption (2368).  Since 2004, the form will is called the Affidavit for Principal Residence Exemption to avoid confusion with the Homestead Property Tax Credit available when filing your Michigan income tax return. 

 

Q: What if I stop using my Principal (Homestead) as my primary residence?

A:  If you stop using your property as your principal residence but are not selling it, you are required to file a Request to Rescind Principal Residence (Homestead) Exemption (2602).  This form must be filed within 90 days of the change.  The exemption remains in effect through December 31 of that year.

 

Q: What if I sell my house and buy a new one?

A:  You need to rescind the Principal Residence (Homestead) on the house you sold and request a Principal Residence (Homestead) on your new house.  Use a Request to Rescind Principal Residence (Homestead) Exemption (2602) form to rescind your old Principal Residence (Homestead) and the affidavit for Principal Residence (Homestead) Exemption (2368) form for your new Principal Residence (Homestead).  The Michigan Department of Treasury recommends the forms be completed and distributed by the closing agent who supervises real estate transactions.  Principal residence (Homestead) forms are also available from your Assessor, the County Equalization Department, and Register of Deeds office.

 

Q: How are my taxes computed?

A:  Taxes are computed by multiplying your taxable value times the total mills.  A mill is $1.00 per thousand dollars of taxable value.  An easy way to calculate your taxes is to multiply your taxable value times your applicable millage rate divided by 1000.  For instance a home in DeTour Township for 2005 with a taxable value of $40,000 and with a 100% Principal Residence Exemption x the millage rate of 19.8684 (40,000 x 19.8684 / 1000) equals $794.74.  One percent may be added as a collection fee.

 

Q: Why did my taxes increase?

A:  Taxes can increase because:

• The tax rate increased.  Periodically, voters have an opportunity to renew or approve increases to tax rates at special elections.  If voters approve additional millage, your taxes will increase.

• Your taxable value increased.  Your taxable value may have increased because (1) it was adjusted by the annual Consumer Price Index (2) it was uncapped after property ownership transferred, or (3) new construction or omitted items were added.

 

Q: Why are my neighbor's taxes less than mine?

A:  Property values are determined individually and differences in style, size, condition and amenities cause differences in taxable value.  If you recently purchased your property, your taxable value was uncapped.  Your neighbor’s taxable value may still be capped and less than yours.  A lower taxable value means lower taxes.

 

Q: I'm building a new house. How can I estimate the taxes?

A:  Estimate your annual taxes by multiplying ½ of the estimated total value of the completed home times the tax rate divided by 1000.  Be sure to add land value to your value estimate before computing your estimated taxes. 

 

Q: I don't have any children in school, why do I have to pay school taxes?

A:  Michigan law requires everyone to support local public schools through property taxes.  Eligible homeowners may be exempt from as many as 18 mills of school operating taxes, but are still responsible for school debt, building funds and state education taxes.

 

Q: My mortgage company raised my house payment because of taxes. Why did the taxes go up so much?

A:  Typically this happens in the year following the purchase of your house of property.  Your mortgage company probably based your original tax escrow payment on the last known taxes.  After you purchased the property its taxable value was uncapped for the next tax year.  The taxes were then based on a higher value.  Once this happens, your mortgage company re-evaluated your escrow amounts and changed your payment to cover the actual taxes on your mortgaged property.  Your mortgage company may also increase your payment to make up any shortfalls in the previous year.

 

Q: How can I estimate my monthly tax escrow payment?

A:  One way to avoid escrow shortages is to base your tax escrow payments on estimated taxes.  Use ½ of your sale price (if it is a market value sale) times the annual tax rate and divide by 1000 to estimate your total annual taxes.  Divide by 12 to get a monthly amount.

 

Q: How can I find my property lines?

A:  If you need to find your property lines, you should contact a local surveyor to perform this service.  Several are listed in the yellow pages of the phone books.  We can provide your lot size and a copy of your plot map to get you started, but we cannot survey or locate stakes on your property.

 

Q: Where do I get a deed prepared for my property?

A:  Contact an attorney for a new deed.

 

Q: Where can I get a copy of my deed?

A:  At your County Register of Deeds’ office.  All documents recorded in that office are public records.