LANSING – With many homeowners seeing an increase in their property taxes as home values fall, State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) is informing residents they can contact either their local township office or Michigan Department of Treasury on any property tax questions they have.
"Residents need to know they can contact their local assessors on property tax issues or questions they may have," Lahti said. Property owners recently received letters from their local government authorities detailing the assessed and taxable values of their property, along with information about the appeals process. Property owners who wish to appeal their property taxes must attend a March Board of Review meeting. The times and locations will be listed on the letter residents received with their tax information. The review meetings begin the first week of March.
The Michigan Department of Treasury also has resources available to help with any property tax questions, like the effects of Proposal A from 1994 regarding transfer of property to relatives. Property held jointly by family members prior to 1994 cannot have their property taxes uncapped when the property owner dies. Michigan Department of Treasury's Web site is www.michigan.gov/treasury or you can contact them by telephone at (517) 373-0500 or by email: treasPtd2@michigan.gov
"With the housing crisis plaguing Michigan, many residents are calling and seeking help with these property tax issues," Lahti said. "I understand how frustrating this is for homeowners, and I want residents to know that there is help available for them."