Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Benzie County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Benzie County

Property taxes in Benzie County are calculated based on the Taxable Value (TV) of your property multiplied by the local millage rate. Each year, your local assessor determines the State Equalized Value (SEV), which represents 50% of the property's market value. However, under Michigan’s Proposal A, your Taxable Value is capped, meaning it cannot increase by more than 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, unless there is a change in ownership. The millage rate is the total tax rate levied by various taxing authorities, including the county, local township or city, schools, and intermediate school districts. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of Taxable Value.

Available Exemptions

Michigan offers several property tax relief programs designed to reduce the financial burden on specific groups of homeowners. Eligibility requirements are strictly enforced by local jurisdictions:

• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): Often called the "homestead exemption," this allows homeowners to be exempt from a portion of local school operating taxes on their primary residence.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Qualified veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating are eligible for a 100% property tax exemption on their primary residence.
• Poverty Exemption: Homeowners who meet specific income and asset guidelines established by their local Board of Review may qualify for a reduction or total exemption of their property taxes.
• Senior/Disability Deferments: Certain seniors and citizens with disabilities may be eligible to defer the payment of summer property taxes until the following February.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Benzie County are typically billed in two installments:

• Summer Taxes: Generally mailed July 1st and due by September 14th without penalty.
• Winter Taxes: Generally mailed December 1st and due by February 14th of the following year.

Failure to pay by these deadlines results in interest and penalties. After February 28th, unpaid taxes become delinquent and are turned over to the Benzie County Treasurer. Once delinquent, additional interest charges accrue monthly, and the property is eventually subject to the tax foreclosure process if balances remain unpaid for an extended period.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value or the Taxable Value of your property is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The process begins at the local level:

1. March Board of Review: You must first protest your assessment at the local March Board of Review. You will need to provide evidence, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales data, to justify a change.
2. Michigan Tax Tribunal (MTT): If you are dissatisfied with the local Board of Review’s decision, you may appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Note that for residential property, you must have attended the March Board of Review to maintain your right to appeal to the MTT.

We recommend contacting your local township or city assessor early in the year to discuss your assessment before the formal protest window opens.