Property Tax - Michigan Law Requires Most of Us to Pay

When property values decline, you may be stuck with an assessment that is higher than it should be. The assessment should be fifty percent of the “true cash value” of your property. Valuation of real estate is highly regulated, yet there are many lawsuits every year over whether a property was assessed properly.

Appeal the Assessment of Your Property

Many townships and municipalities in Michigan require you to appeal to the assessor before going to the Board of Review. This is often called an “informal appeal,” though the paperwork can sometimes seem plenty formal to those who believe their assessment is too high.

Appeal to the Board of Review

If you want to preserve your right to appeal to the tax tribunal, you have to take your appeal to the township or municipal Board of Review. This Board is required to meet on the Tuesday after the first Monday in March, and on the second Monday in March to hear taxpayer protests. You may have to reserve your appearance time with an application, so check with your local government to make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to appeal. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney to determine what sort of evidence is best when preparing to go before the Board of Review.

The Tax Tribunal

If the Board of Review rules against you, you can go before the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The Residential and Small Claims Division is the place to go if you are appealing the assessment of your home. If for some reason you end up having to appear before the entire Tax Tribunal, we recommend that you retain an attorney. That process can be much more complicated and specialized.

- Read about the heavy caseload at the Michigan Tax Tribunal