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1. If I don't pay my taxes, will I really lose my house and property?

Yes. Under the current law, if your taxes are delinquent for three years, that’s it. You’ve lost the property. You cannot get your property back after it has been foreclosed. Property that has been foreclosed will be sold at public auction.

2. I didn't receive a tax bill, what should I do?

If you have an escrow, your bank most likely requested it to pay on your behalf. You can download a copy of your tax bill by conducting a property and tax search from the homepage or call the Treasurer’s Office at 517-668-1411 to request a copy.

3. What does your P.R.E. Exemption reduction noted on the tax bill refer to?

If the P.R.E. % reflected on your tax bill = 100%, your property is classified as your "principal residence" and the parcel is 100% exempt from your local public school’s operating millage. Sometimes this is also referred to as a "homestead" exemption.

4. How is property assessed?

Real Property assessments are based on market values and are assessed yearly by the Assessing Department. Assessment notices are mailed to taxpayers of record in late February of each year. Personal Property assessments originate from a filing of a statement by the taxpayer. If a Personal Property statement is not furnished, the assessor is authorized to assess such amount of Personal Property as deemed reasonable and just. The business property owner is required by law to report the value of property owned on a Personal Property statement provided by the assessor.

5. Why am I charged 3% for using my debit/credit card?

VISA, MasterCard, and other merchant credit service providers charge a fee for the convenience of using their credit services, much like how banks charge ATM user fees. The Township does not derive any revenue from the fee charged. Rather, it is retained by the service provider to offset the cost of providing the service for residents. While other merchants can factor such costs in the pricing of their products and services, your local government cannot.

6. I owe taxes from last year, how do I find out how much is my payoff?

Once taxes are turned over to the County, you need to call them for payoff information. The Clinton County Treasurer can be reached at 989-224-5280 or at clinton-county.org.

7. What is the difference between real and personal property?

Real property is property which is attached such as land and buildings. Real Property taxes are assessed on either commercial/industrial or residential property. Personal Property is any property that isn’t Real Property such as equipment, furniture and fixtures. Personal Property taxes are assessed only on property that is used in a business.

Additional information on Personal Property is available through the Township Assessing Department.

8. What is the difference between taxable value and assessed value?

Taxable value (TV) is the value used to compute your tax bill. State assessed value (SEV) is one half the market value, as determined by the assessor. SEV grows as the market rate of property grows. TV increases are capped to inflation rates for the time that you own the property. In the year following a transfer of ownership, the TV uncaps and will increase to the SEV, which will increase the taxes.

9. What if I can't pay the tax bill when it is due?

Installment payments are permitted. Even if you only are able to pay a portion, it can reduce the base amount due that interest is charged from.

10. What are the penalties for late payments on taxes?

Summer taxes, due September 14, are charged 1% starting September 15, and an additional 1% per month on the first of each month. On February 15, an additional 3% penalty is added to the amount due. At the end of February, the total interest and penalty is 9%. As of March 1, the tax is turned over to Clinton County for collections and additional interest and penalty is added.

Winter taxes, due February 14, are charged a late penalty of 3% as of February 15. The Township receipts tax payments through the end of February and as of March 1; the tax is turned over to Clinton County for collections with additional interest and penalty.