Summer taxes are sent out in early July and due September 14th. If the 14th falls on a weekend, taxes are due the next business day. Winter taxes are sent out early December and due February 14th. If the 14th falls on a weekend or Presidents Day the payment is due the next business day.
What happens if I am late paying?
After the due dates penalties and interest is charged. For summer taxes it is 1% charged when late plus 1% each month they are not paid. For winter taxes the penalty is 4%. After February 28th all taxes must be paid directly to the Berrien County Treasurers office in St Joseph and additional penalties are assessed. If property taxes remain unpaid for 3 years the property will be lost to tax foreclosure and sold at auction to repay the amount owed. Any additional funds received are not returned to the taxpayer.
How can I pay?
Payments can be made at the Township office during regular business hours, at our blu drop box located just west of our office, by mail, or by credit card (by phone or at the office). Mail payments must be received at our office by the due date so it is important to leave adequate mail time for delivery. Postmarks are not accepted! Credit card payments will have a 4% processing fee assessed by our processor. We are working on providing automatic payment withdrawal from a designated checking account and on line payments.
What is the difference between taxable value and SEV value on my bill?
Taxable value is the amount you pay your taxes on when the millage rate is applied. Years ago tax legislation changed that created taxable value. The taxable value can only increase by a percentage allowed by the State based on economic factors plus any improvements that have been made to the property. This percentage has been in the 1-3% range the past few years. SEV is the value established by our assessor and is equal to ½ the current market value of your property. The SEV can change by any percentage based on the market value. The taxable value cannot be higher than the SEV. The taxable value remains on the property until the property transfers ownership at which time the property valuation will “uncap” and the taxable and SEV will be the same. For questions about your SEV and how to dispute this value, please visit the assessor page for more information and contact information.
What is a summer tax deferment and how do I get one?
Summer tax deferments are available to residents 62 years of age or older, paraplegic, hemiplegic, quadriplegic, eligible Serviceperson, eligible Veteran, eligible Widow or Widower, blind persons, totally and permanent disabled persons. Deferments are also available on agricultural real property with some stipulations. A summer tax deferment allows you to pay your summer taxes by February 14th without penalty. Winter taxes cannot be deferred. Please see the FAQ’s provided by the State of Michigan at the following link: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/treasury/4659_242861_7.pdf
What is the principal resident exemption?
The principal resident exemption (PRE) allows taxpayers that qualify for the exemption to be exempt from paying school operating taxes. See the link on the treasurer home page for conditions and forms.
What happens if I don’t receive my tax bill?
Receiving tax bills is the responsibility of the taxpayer. Just because a bill is not received does not excuse your responsibility to pay! When changing addresses it is very important to update that information with the treasurers’ office. We make every effort to determine valid addresses but sometimes a forwarding address or information is not available.