Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Kalamazoo County

Property taxes in Kalamazoo County are calculated based on the Taxable Value (TV) of your property multiplied by the local millage rate. Each year, the local assessor determines the State Equalized Value (SEV), which is intended to be 50% of the property's market value. However, the Taxable Value is capped by the Headlee Amendment and Proposal A, which limit annual increases in taxable value to the lesser of 5% or the rate of inflation, unless there is a transfer of ownership.

The total millage rate applied to your property is the sum of levies from various taxing authorities, including the county, your local township or city, your school district, and any special assessments or library millages. Because these rates vary by specific location, your tax bill is unique to your property’s geographic taxing jurisdiction.

Available Exemptions

Michigan offers several property tax relief programs to reduce the financial burden on homeowners. These exemptions must be applied for through 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 as determined by their local Board of Review.
• Senior and Disabled Citizens: While Michigan does not have a universal "senior exemption," low-income seniors may qualify for the Home Heating Credit or the Homestead Property Tax Credit via their state income tax filing.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Kalamazoo County are typically issued in two cycles:

• Summer Taxes: Issued on July 1 and generally due by September 14.
• Winter Taxes: Issued on December 1 and generally due by February 14 of the following year.

If payment is not received by the due date, interest and penalties will accrue. Unpaid taxes become delinquent on March 1 of the year following the tax year. At this point, the collection responsibility shifts to the Kalamazoo County Treasurer, and additional fees and interest will be added to the outstanding balance. Continued delinquency can eventually lead to property foreclosure.

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 local level:

1. Informal Review: Contact your local assessor’s office to discuss your valuation and provide supporting documentation, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales.
2. March Board of Review: If you are unsatisfied, you may appeal to your local Board of Review. You must schedule an appointment or submit a written protest during the board's March session.
3. Michigan Tax Tribunal: If the local board denies your appeal, you may further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Note that deadlines for these filings are strict and must be followed precisely to maintain your right to appeal.