Most people only think about their property taxes the bills come in July and December. But our property tax system in Michigan requires that you pay attention in February. By February, you receive your assessment notice. If the assessor raises your taxable value (the value that taxes are based on), the assessor must give you notice.
For residential property, you must go to the Board of review in early March. Some cities require a special pre-review with the assessor in late February. If you disagree with the Board of Review’s decision, you can appeal to the Tax Tribunal, but only if you went to the Board of Review and only if you appeal by the end of July.
For commercial property, the Board of Review is optional. But you must appeal to the Tax Tribunal by the end of May.
Miss these deadlines and you lose your right to appeal. Then, when the tax bills come, all you can do is pay!
As with most legal proceedings, there are many other details that affect your property taxes. The best time to seek advice is in February when you receive your assessment notice.
