Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Grand Traverse County

Property taxes in Grand Traverse County are calculated based on the Taxable Value (TV) of your property and the total millage rate applied to your jurisdiction. The assessment process begins with the local assessor, who determines the Assessed Value (AV), representing 50% of the property's estimated market value. The Capped Value is then calculated annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5%, whichever is lower, preventing rapid tax spikes.

Your Taxable Value is the lesser of the Assessed Value or the Capped Value. This figure is multiplied by the local millage rate (expressed in dollars per $1,000 of taxable value). Millage rates include levies for county operations, township or city services, schools, and special voter-approved proposals. Because these rates vary significantly by school district and municipality, your total tax liability is unique to your specific location within the county.

Available Exemptions

Michigan law provides several exemptions to reduce your total property tax burden. Eligibility requirements are strictly enforced, and many require annual or one-time filings with your local assessor's office.

• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): Homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence may exempt the property from a portion of local school operating taxes.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability, or their surviving spouses, may be eligible for a 100% property tax exemption.
• Poverty Exemption: Homeowners facing financial hardship may apply for a reduction in taxes based on federal poverty guidelines, subject to local board approval.
• Senior/Disability Deferments: Certain seniors or disabled individuals may qualify to defer the payment of summer property taxes until the following February without penalty.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Grand Traverse County are generally billed in two cycles: the Summer tax bill and the Winter tax bill.

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

If payment is not received by the deadline, interest and penalties are applied according to state law. Taxes that remain unpaid after February 28th are considered delinquent and are turned over to the Grand Traverse County Treasurer for collection, at which point additional interest and administrative fees accrue significantly.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessment 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 your local township or city Board of Review in March. You should present evidence, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales, to support your claim.
2. Michigan Tax Tribunal: If you are dissatisfied with the Board of Review's decision, you may appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Note that for residential property, you must protest to the local Board of Review before you are eligible to file with the Tribunal.