Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Washtenaw County

In Washtenaw County, property taxes are calculated based on a property’s Taxable Value (TV) multiplied by the total millage rate levied by local taxing jurisdictions. The assessment process begins with the local assessor determining the Assessed Value (AV), which is intended to be 50% of the property's market value. However, per Michigan law, your taxes are based on the Taxable Value, which is capped annually by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5%, whichever is lower, unless a transfer of ownership occurs. The total millage rate—expressed in dollars per $1,000 of taxable value—is the sum of rates authorized by the county, township, city, school district, and special service districts.

Available Exemptions

Michigan offers several property tax exemptions designed to provide relief to specific groups of homeowners:

• 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: Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating, or their surviving spouses, may be eligible for a full property tax exemption.
• Poverty Exemption: Homeowners facing financial hardship may apply for a hardship exemption through their local Board of Review, provided they meet specific income and asset guidelines.
• Senior/Disabled Deferment: Eligible seniors and disabled individuals may apply to defer the payment of summer property taxes until the following February without penalty.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Washtenaw County are typically billed in two installments: the Summer Tax bill (due July 1) and the Winter Tax bill (due December 1). While specific due dates can vary by municipality, payments are generally considered timely if received by the designated deadline. Failure to pay by the due date results in the accrual of interest and penalties. Unpaid taxes eventually become delinquent; if they remain unpaid into the following year, the property may be subject to foreclosure proceedings by the Washtenaw County Treasurer’s Office, following the statutory timelines defined by Michigan law.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessment of your property is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal. The first step is to contact your local assessor's office to review your property record card for errors. If the issue remains unresolved, you must protest your assessment at the March Board of Review. You will need to provide evidence, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales data, to support your claim. Should you be dissatisfied with the Board of Review's decision, you may further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal or the State Tax Commission, depending on the nature of the assessment dispute.