Frequently Asked Questions

How can my Taxable Value go up when my Assessed Value went down?

With the passage of Proposal A of 1994, taxable value (the value you pay your property taxes on) was separated from your assessed value.  Assessed value, also known as your State Equalized Value, must represent 50% of the property's True Cash Value.  This number also represents a maximum limit of the taxable value.  In the year following a transfer of ownership, the two must be equal.  In any other year, your taxable value will be the lesser of the SEV or your capped value calculation.  If you have owned your property through periods of rapid growth, it is possible for there to be a substantial gap between your SEV and your capped value calculation.  In this instance, you will still see an increase in your Taxable Value, up to the point it reaches the limit of the SEV.

I just bought my home. Why isn't my SEV 1/2 my purchase price?

The SEV represents 50% of the property's True Cash Value.  True Cash Value is a term defined by law, and is specifically NOT purchase price.  Your sale may be affected by numerous variables that may influence the individual transaction, that have no bearing on the property itself.  To minimize the effect of these variables, all sales within a neighborhood (similar characteristics) are reviewed together to determine a usual selling price based on standardized units of comparison.

I don't agree with my assessment. What can I do?

When dealing with a current assessment year (following calendar year after April) please come talk to us.  We will be happy to review your property with you.

 

When dealing with a roll that has been finalized by the assessing department (after you receive your change notice in February) your first step is to appeal to the March Board of Review.  Our office will provide the forms, but it is up to you to present your case, even if you appeal in writing, so please support your claim.  The Board of Review will notify you in writing with their decision.  If you find their decision unsatisfactory, you may further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.  Contact information for the MTT will be provided along with the Board of Review decision.  IMPORTANT: For residential and agricultural properties, you may NOT appeal to the MTT on a valuation dispute unless you appeal to the March Board of Review.

Click here for more info on How to Appeal your Property Assessment

 

What if I'm assessed for things I don't have?

For tax years 2006-2009, P.A. 13 of 2006 allows the July and December Boards of Review to correct errors of "incorrectly reported and omitted property".  The ability of the July and December Boards of Review to make these changes will end with the 2009 year, absent of an amendment to the law; however the Michigan State Tax Commission always has the ability to make these changes under MCL 211.154.  Please review your valuation statement, and if such an error has occurred we would be happy to assist you with the 154 petition process.

IMPORTANT: Applies only to real property or to a personal property assessment based on a timely filed statement.  The STC refuses to amend personal property assessments where a statement was not filed as required by law. 

How do you calculate personal property assessments?

All businesses with tangible assets within a local jurisdiction are required by law to file a Personal Property Statement with that jurisdiction by February 20 of that year.  This statement is the basis for your personal property assessment.  Garfield Township will accept these statements through the close of the March Board of Review, and petition the Board of Review on your behalf to accept these statements as filed.  In the absence of a timely filed statement, we are required by law to place an assessment on the property based on our reasonable estimate of the value of the business assets.  In most cases, these will begin with reported values of similar businesses.  Statements received after the close of the March Board of Review will not be accepted for that year, but will be entered as a starting base for the following year should we not receive one in that year requiring another estimate. 

IMPORTANT:  If you do not timely file a statement, the assessed value can not be changed for that year, even if you subsequently file.

Click here for more info on Operating a Business in Garfield Township