Assessor

Statement of Services

The Assessor's responsibility is to accurately estimate the fair market value of taxable properties within the community. Every year the Assessor's Office mails out the Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification to owners of property within the City. The assessed value represents 50% of the property's fair market value and the taxable value is the value on which property taxes are calculated. The taxable value can only increase every year based on the inflation rate or 5% whichever is less, except when physical changes have been made to the property or when a transfer of ownership occurs. Every year in May the assessing staff will begin inspecting properties that have sold or have active building permits in preparation of the following year assessment roll.

• 2023 Annual March Board of Review (PDF)
• Change of Address Online Submission
• Document Upload Online Submission
• Understanding Proposal A (PDF)

Change of Mailing Address

To change a mailing address for your property you can complete this online form submission.. Please include your name, property address and telephone number in the email.

Hardship/Poverty Exemption

A property owner with a principal residence exemption can request a hardship exemption at the March, July or December Boards of Review. The exemption is based on household income and the number of people that reside at the property. The exemption is good for only one year, you must reapply every year it is needed. Applications are available in the Assessing Office at City Hall.

2023 Poverty Exemption Guidelines and Application (PDF)

Homeowner's Principal Residence Exemption Information

New Homeowners should be aware that a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit must be filed if they intend to occupy their new home as their principal residence. This form is signed by the buyer at the time of closing and allows an exemption of 18 mills of school operating tax.

Principal Residence Exemption Form (PDF)

Request To Rescind Homeowner's Principal Residence Exemption

The seller of a home should sign a Request to Rescind Principal Residence Form (PDF) and file it with the Assessing Office. This will remove his/her name from the homestead and allow him/her to apply for the homestead exemption on their new residence.

Land Division or Combination Application

Application for Land Division and or Combination (PDF)

Property Transfer Affidavit

A Property Transfer Affidavit (PTA) must be filed for a property whenever a transfer of ownership occurs. The PTA Form (PDF) from the State of Michigan is required under Public Act 415 of 1994 and is to be filed by the buyer, grantee, or transferee of any property. The affidavit is required to be filed within 45 days of the transfer. If it is not timely filed, a penalty of $5 per day up to a maximum of $200 applies.

Personal Property

MCL 211.19 states that all businesses must complete and file a personal property statement to the city on or before February 20th of each year. Personal property includes machinery, equipment, computers, furniture, signs, etc. used by the business.

Personal Property Statement Form (PDF)

Eligible Personal Property Exemption

The General Property Tax Act was recently amended as it relates to the assessment of the Personal Property of a business. Beginning in the 2014 assessment year, if the combined true cash value of all Personal Property owned by, leased to, or in the possession of the business or a related entity is $80,000 or less, the owner may file for an exemption of personal property. If a business qualifies for this exemption the owner of the eligible personal property must annually file an affidavit, (Form 5076 [PDF]), with the Assessor's Office where the property is located not later than February 10 each tax year that the exemption is claimed. If an affidavit is filed, the owner is not required to file a personal property statement in that tax year.

• Small Business Property Tax Exemption Form/Form 5076 (PDF)
• Idle Equipment Report Form (PDF)
• Affidavit and Statement for Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property and Essential Services Tax Exemption (PDF)
• Affidavit to Rescind Exemption of Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property Defined in MCL 211.9(m) and 211.9(n) (PDF)

March Board of Review

Residential property owners wishing to appeal their assessment must do so by appointment or in writing before the close of the March Board of Review. Commercial, Industrial and Business Personal Property may appeal directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. See your assessment notice for the date and times the Board will be meeting this year. All appeals, whether they are in person or by mail, must include an Appeal Form (PDF).