Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I pay my taxes and what types of payments are accepted?

You can pay your taxes by these methods: (Click here to view our payment method options brochure.)

• by cash, check or credit card in person at the Township offices located at 3848 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684. Regular office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 6:00pm (open during lunch) CLOSED FRIDAYS.
• mail your check to the Township office at the above address
• leave your check after business hours in the secure gray night drop box located by the Township office main door
• pay online with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) by clicking here - pay by credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee will be added)
• pay over the phone with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) by calling (616)784-5774. You will need the Garfield Township access code: 9099 3042 (a 2.5% convenience fee will be added)
• pay online or over the phone by electronic check (a $1 per transaction flat fee will be added)
• pay by ACH (or Automatic Bill Payment) You can sign up in advance to have your tax payments automatically deducted out of your checking account on a predetermined date that is slightly prior to the tax due date.  Your signed authorization form sets all future tax payments to be deducted this way until you revoke the authorization in writing.  Click here to print an ACH Authorization Form.

Can I pay my taxes with a credit card?

Yes.  Garfield Township is able to provide our taxpayers with the ability to pay taxes with a VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card.  There is a 2.5% convenience fee charged for this service. Pay online now by clicking here or call (616) 784-5774 and follow the automatic prompts. The Garfield Twp access code is: 9099 3042.

Can I look up my property tax information online?

Yes.  Go to our computer processor website BS&A Software by clicking the highlighted words.  You will need to go to "Sign Up" to create a user name and password that will identify you as the owner of the property.  One parcel # can be assigned free look ups with each user id.  If you are looking at more than one parcel #, there is a $2 per parcel look up fee.

Can I get help to pay my taxes?

If you are in need of financial assistance, there are some things that we can check to see if you might qualify for some help:

• Summer deferment - If you qualify, this option extends the due date for summer taxes from September 14th to February 14th of the next year.  Using this option makes both summer and winter taxes due at the same time (Feb.14) with no penalty or interest if paid by that date.  Contact the Treasurer's office to see if you qualify.
• Hardship exemption - if your income is below a certain level, you may qualify to have a portion of your taxes exempt.  You must contact the assessing office to see if you qualify.
• There may be other types of exemptions available. You must contact the assessing office to determine your eligibility.

What are the current and prior year millage rates?

 

2013 Annual Millage Rates:  Summer rates will be set on or about June 15, 2013

 

2012 Annual Millage Rates:

100% Homestead = 27.4657 (summer = 18.8305 & winter = 8.6352)

Non-Homestead = 45.4657 (summer = 36.8305 & winter = 8.6352)

 

2011 Annual Millage Rates:

100% Homestead = 27.4633 (summer  = 18.8305 & winter = 8.6328)

Non-Homestead = 45.4633 (summer = 36.8305 & winter = 8.6328)

 

2010 Annual Millage Rates: 

100% Homestead = 27.724 mills (summer = 18.7955 & winter = 8.9285)

Non-Homestead = 45.724 mills (summer = 36.7955 & winter = 8.9285)

 

Taxes are based upon Taxable Value.  1 mill equals $1. per $1,000. of taxable value.

What period are summer and winter taxes for?

All taxes billed are for the period of January 1 through December 31.  The taxes are collected in two portions (summer and winter) to make it easier on the taxpayer.  Different taxing authorities collect at different times. For instance, the Traverse City Area Public Schools collect their portion of tax dollars on the summer tax bill, but are not listed on the winter tax bill.  The Fire Department collects its portion of tax dollars on the winter tax bill, but are not listed on the summer tax bill.

How do I appeal my Taxable Value?

It is the right of every property owner to appeal the assessed value of your property.  There is one time each year during the March Board of Review in which you can make your appeal, either in person or by letter.  Click here for helpful info on how to make your appeal.

How to Appeal my Property Assessment

What are personal property taxes?

There are two types of personal property taxes.

• Business personal property taxes are assessed to business owners on the assets they use to operate their business.  A business needs to report assets to the Township once a year on the annual Personal Property Statement.  These statement forms are mailed to all businesses in the township once a year in December. They must be returned to the assessing office no later than February 20th each year.  Personal property taxable value is determined from the statement. If you need help to complete your statement, one of our assessors would be happy to assist you.

Here is a helpful brochure for business owners about personal property taxes.  Operating a business in Garfield Township Brochure

 

• Mobile Home personal property taxes - If you own a mobile home that is located in Garfield Township, you may be assessed personal property taxes on any shed, porches or other outbuildings located near your mobile home.

Here is a helpful flyer for mobile home owners regarding personal property taxes.  Personal property taxes for mobile home owners flyer

What is "tax day"?

For the purpose of personal property taxes, "tax day" is December 31st of each year.  If your business is operational on this day, then you will be assessed personal property taxes for the whole next year.  As a business owner, if you are planning to go out of business, it is best to do so before Dec. 31st. 

Do I need to notify the township if my business is closing or moving out of Garfield Twp?

Yes.  If your business will be closing or relocating outside of Garfield Township, you must notify the township so that we can record a closing or moving date for your business.  This will allow us to remove your business from future tax rolls.

Do I need a permit to hold an auction in Garfield Township?

Yes.  You must apply for an auction permit with the Township Clerk at least 10 days prior to the date of the auction.  There is a $20 permit fee.  Click here to print an auction permit application