Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Cheboygan County

Property taxes in Cheboygan County are determined by two primary factors: the Taxable Value (TV) of your property and the local millage rates. Each year, the 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 the property undergoes a transfer of ownership.

The total tax bill is calculated by multiplying your Taxable Value by the total millage rate (the tax rate per $1,000 of value). These millage rates are set by various taxing authorities, including the county, local townships or cities, school districts, and the state education tax. Because these rates vary based on your specific school district and municipality, your total tax burden will differ depending on your exact location within Cheboygan County.

Available Exemptions

Michigan offers several exemptions to help reduce the tax burden for qualifying homeowners. These programs are administered at the local level, and you must apply through your local assessor’s office:

• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): Often called the "homestead exemption," this exempts your primary residence from a portion of local school operating taxes.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Provides a 100% property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans who have a permanent and total service-connected disability, or those who are individually unemployable.
• Poverty Exemption: Local units of government may grant a reduction in property taxes for homeowners who meet specific federal poverty income guidelines and asset tests.
• Senior Citizen and Disability Deferments: Certain taxpayers may be eligible to defer the payment of summer property taxes until the following February without penalty, provided they meet specific age, income, or disability criteria.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Cheboygan County are generally billed in two cycles: Summer and Winter. Summer taxes are typically mailed on July 1 and are payable without interest through September 14. Winter taxes are mailed on December 1 and are payable without interest through February 14. If payment is not received by these dates, interest and penalties accrue monthly. It is vital to check your specific tax bill for exact due dates, as local jurisdictions may occasionally adjust these timelines. Unpaid taxes that remain delinquent after March 1 of the following year are turned over to the Cheboygan County Treasurer for collection, which carries additional fees and risks potential foreclosure.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value or Taxable Value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The process begins at the local level with the March Board of Review. You must first schedule a meeting with your local assessor to discuss your valuation. If the disagreement persists, you may present evidence—such as comparable sales data or appraisals—to the Board of Review. If you are dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, you may further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. It is recommended to gather all supporting documentation, such as recent independent appraisals or photos of property conditions, well in advance of the March deadline.