Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Genesee County

Property taxes in Genesee County are calculated based on the Taxable Value of your property and the total millage rate applied to your jurisdiction. The assessment process begins with the local assessor determining the State Equalized Value (SEV), which is intended to be 50% of the property's market value. However, your annual tax bill is calculated using the Taxable Value, which is capped by the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A, preventing it from rising faster than the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower, unless there are physical changes to the property.

The total millage rate is a combination of levies from the county, local township or city, school districts, and special assessment districts. One mill is equivalent to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of Taxable Value. Because these rates vary significantly depending on where your property is located within Genesee County, your final tax liability will depend on your specific taxing authority.

Available Exemptions

Michigan offers several programs to help reduce the property tax burden for eligible residents. These exemptions must be filed with your local assessor’s office:

• 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: Provides a 100% property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans who have been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled.
• Poverty Exemption: Available to homeowners who meet specific income and asset guidelines established by their local municipality.
• Senior and Disability Deferments: Certain taxpayers may be eligible to defer the payment of summer property taxes if they meet specific age, income, or disability requirements.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Genesee County are generally billed in two cycles: the Summer tax bill (due July 1st) and the Winter tax bill (due December 1st). Taxpayers typically have until September 14th to pay summer taxes without penalty, and until February 14th for winter taxes.

Failure to pay by the designated deadlines will result in the accrual of interest and penalties. Unpaid taxes are eventually transferred to the Genesee County Treasurer’s office as delinquent. Once taxes become delinquent, additional fees and interest are applied monthly, and continued non-payment can ultimately lead to property foreclosure.

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:

• March Board of Review: You must first protest your assessment to your local city or township Board of Review. You will receive an Assessment Change Notice in early spring detailing the dates and times for these meetings.
• Michigan Tax Tribunal: If you are dissatisfied with the local Board of Review’s decision, you may appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Note that for residential properties, you must generally appeal to the local Board of Review before you can file with the Tribunal.