Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Clinton County

In Clinton County, property taxes are calculated based on the Taxable Value (TV) of your property and the local millage rates. The assessment process begins with the local assessor, who determines the State Equalized Value (SEV), which is intended to be 50% of the property's market value. However, under Michigan law, your Taxable Value is capped by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5%, whichever is lower, unless there has been a transfer of ownership.

The total tax bill is determined by multiplying your Taxable Value by the total millage rate for your specific jurisdiction. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of Taxable Value. These rates are a composite of levies from the county, local township or city, school districts, and the state education tax.

Available Exemptions

Michigan offers several exemptions to help reduce the tax burden for eligible property owners:

• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): Also known as the homestead exemption, this exempts your primary residence from a portion of local school operating taxes. You must own and occupy the home by June 1st to qualify.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Veterans who have been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled due to military service may be eligible for a 100% property tax exemption on their principal residence.
• Poverty Exemption: Homeowners who meet specific income and asset guidelines established by their local board of review may qualify for a reduction or exemption of property taxes due to financial hardship.
• Senior Citizen and Disabled Person Deferment: While not an exemption, eligible seniors or disabled individuals may apply to defer the payment of summer property taxes until the following February without penalty.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Clinton County are generally billed in two cycles:

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

If taxes remain unpaid after the due date, interest and penalty fees are applied according to state statute. Failure to pay by the end of the collection cycle results in the taxes being returned delinquent to the Clinton County Treasurer, where additional administrative fees and interest will accrue, potentially leading to property forfeiture if left unresolved.

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 March Board of Review. You must first contact your local assessor's office to discuss the valuation; if a disagreement remains, you may schedule an appointment to present evidence—such as recent appraisals or comparable sales data—to the Board of Review. If you are dissatisfied with the Board’s decision, you may further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.