Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Iron County

In Iron County, property taxes are calculated by multiplying the Taxable Value (TV) of your property by the total 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—and the Capped Value, which is limited by the annual Consumer Price Index. The Taxable Value is the lesser of the Assessed Value or the Capped Value.

The total millage rate is the sum of all local, county, and school district levies. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of Taxable Value. These rates are voted upon by the community to fund essential services such as public schools, emergency services, libraries, and county infrastructure. Because these rates vary by township and school district, your specific tax burden depends heavily on your exact location within Iron County.

Available Exemptions

Michigan law provides several exemptions to help reduce the tax burden for eligible residents. These include:

• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): Homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence may exempt their home from a portion of local school operating taxes.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Veterans who have been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service may be eligible for a 100% property tax exemption on their principal residence.
• Poverty Exemption: Iron County townships provide relief to residents who meet specific federal poverty income guidelines and asset tests.
• Senior Citizen and Disability Deferments: While not a total exemption, eligible seniors or disabled individuals may apply to defer their summer tax payments until February 15th without incurring interest or penalties.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Iron County are billed in two primary installments:

• Summer Taxes: Typically mailed on July 1st and due by September 14th.
• Winter Taxes: Typically mailed on December 1st and due by February 14th of the following year.

Failure to pay by the due dates will result in the accrual of interest and penalties. Taxes that remain unpaid as of March 1st are considered delinquent and are turned over to the Iron County Treasurer. Once delinquent, additional administrative fees and interest charges accrue monthly. Continued failure to pay can ultimately result in tax foreclosure proceedings.

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:

First, contact your local assessor to discuss the valuation and review the data on your property record card. If you remain dissatisfied, you may appeal to your local Board of Review, which meets in March. You must provide evidence, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales data, to support your claim that your assessment exceeds the market value. If the Board of Review does not grant the requested relief, you may further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.