Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Crawford County

In Crawford County, property taxes are calculated based on the Taxable Value (TV) of your property multiplied by the local millage rate. The assessment process begins with the local assessor, who determines the Assessed Value (AV)—typically 50% of the property's estimated market value. However, under Michigan’s Proposal A, your taxes are capped by the Taxable Value, which cannot increase by more than 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower, unless there is a transfer of ownership.

The total tax bill is derived from the millage rate, which represents the tax dollars per $1,000 of Taxable Value. These rates are a combination of state-wide education taxes and local levies approved by voters for schools, county operations, townships, and emergency services. Because millage rates vary by specific taxing jurisdiction, your total tax liability depends on your exact property location within Crawford County.

Available Exemptions

Michigan offers several property tax relief programs to assist homeowners. It is important to verify your eligibility and file the necessary forms with your local assessor’s office by the required deadlines:

• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): Also known as the homestead exemption, this exempts your primary residence from a portion of local school operating taxes.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Qualified honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability, or their surviving spouses, may be eligible for a 100% exemption from property taxes.
• Poverty Exemption: Homeowners who meet specific income and asset guidelines established by their local board of review may qualify for a reduction in taxes.
• Senior Citizen and Disability Deferments: Certain taxpayers may be eligible to defer the payment of summer property taxes until the following February without penalty.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Crawford County are typically billed in two cycles:

• Summer Taxes: Usually billed on July 1 and payable without penalty through September 14.
• Winter Taxes: Usually billed on December 1 and payable without penalty through February 14.

If payments are not received by the deadline, interest and penalties accrue monthly. After February 28, unpaid taxes become "delinquent" and are turned over to the Crawford County Treasurer for collection. Delinquent taxes incur additional fees and interest, and persistent non-payment can eventually lead to the foreclosure of the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed or taxable value 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 to the local Township or City Board of Review, which meets in March. Check your annual Assessment Change Notice for specific meeting dates and instructions on how to schedule an appointment.
2. Michigan Tax Tribunal: If you are dissatisfied with the Board of Review's decision, you may appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Please note that for residential property, you must have protested to the local Board of Review before appealing to the Tribunal.