FAQs • DeWitt, MI • CivicEngage

Someone from the Township already inspected my new garage. Why are you contacting me again?: Inspectors from the Building Department will visit your home to ensure your project meets code. Appraisers from the Assessing Department will visit your home to ensure your property record card is complete for valuation and taxing purposes.

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Assessing

1. What is the difference between assessed value and taxable value?: The State of Michigan requires that a property’s assessed value equal 50% of its true cash value (fair market value). A property’s taxable value is determined by taking the prior year’s taxable value minus any physical losses (ex. fire or demolition), multiplied by the current year’s inflation rate (CPI), plus any physical additions (ex. new construction).

2. How is my assessed value determined?: Values are based on recent sales in your neighborhood or in "like" neighborhoods if no sales have occurred. The Assessor’s Office uses mass appraisal techniques that include statistics and market trends to value property.

3. How are my property taxes calculated?: The taxable value times the millage rate is used to calculate your tax bill unless there are special assessments. (Taxable Value x Millage Rate divided by 1,000 = Property Tax Bill + Special Assessments.)

4. What is uncapping?: Under Proposal A, a property is "uncapped" in the year following a transfer of ownership and the taxable value becomes equal to the assessed value. This can sometimes create a significant change in taxes for a new property owner in the first year of ownership. After the first year, the taxable value is again "capped" and the subject only to increase by the inflation rate or 5%, whichever is less, unless there is an addition to the property or omitted property.

5. Someone from the Township already inspected my new garage. Why are you contacting me again?: Inspectors from the Building Department will visit your home to ensure your project meets code. Appraisers from the Assessing Department will visit your home to ensure your property record card is complete for valuation and taxing purposes.

6. What if I see Township personnel on my property taking pictures or measurements?: Staff will be performing statutory duties by gathering accurate information to update our assessing records. Staff are required to carry DeWitt Township employee identification.

7. How do I split or combine land?: Contact the Assessing or Planning Department to answer questions. Applications are available under the Documents page.