Our rates are negotiated with each individual township. Factors such as the number of parcels, drive distance, time in office, and Board of Review requirements may all affect charged rates. Our Assessor will meet with the board of each township to determine rates that are appropriate for each situation.

The tentative answer is Yes. However, sometimes it isn't possible to be at every hearing. We have several townships as clients and while we make every effort to attend hearings, it is inevitable that there will be conflicts. We absolutely empower your BOR members with fully detailed assessments, files, and tax rolls, and we are always available to answer questions.

Generally, no, we do not keep set office hours at Township Halls. Because we have several townships as clients, it is impossible to maintain hours at each Hall. However, we will happily schedule appointments to meet with residents and members of your township board at your Hall.

Not necessarily, no. In fact, your taxable value may actually go down. Assessment does not automatically mean your taxes are being raised. And, in fact, the Assessor has little to do with raising your taxes. The job of the Assessor when canvassing your property is to ensure the property record is accurate. This can involve adding new structures or removing structures that are no longer there.

There are several factors that affect your property's taxable value. The most common reasons are: 1. Inflation: Michigan's Proposal A caps annual increases to your property's taxable value (the base used to calculate your taxes) at the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower. This means that if inflation is high, your taxable value, and thus your taxes, can increase. 2. Uncapping: If you recently purchased your home, the taxable value uncaps the year after the sale, resetting to the State Equalized Value (SEV), which is roughly 50% of the home's market value. This can result in a substantial tax increase if the previous owner had a lower taxable value.

An assessment considers sales of similar homes, square footage, real estate market conditions, and home inspection findings in its final determinations. We do a complete market analysis of similar properties in the area, and we inspect your property taking into consideration acreage, number and size and value of out-buildings, and the size of the home.

If you don't agree with the Assessed or Taxable Value, you may challenge the assessment at your township's Board of Review. The BOR meets every year in March, July, and December. You can find out exactly when your township's BOR is meeting by contacting your Township Clerk or Supervisor for more information.