So how do Michigan property taxes work? To explain Michigan property taxes is not easy. But to break it down there are 2 ways Michigan properties are taxed. The are either homestead or non-homestead taxes.
Homestead taxes - if you live in the property as your primary residence you get a reduction in your Michigan property taxes
Non-homesteaded property taxes - If the property is a commercial property, an investment property, a vacation home, or a rental property you pay full amount of taxes.
A primary residence is defined as the home as you come back to when you go away.
When you buy a home you will get a homestead exemption form from the title company. You will have to fill it out at the closing and sign it. After closing you have to take the form down to the city you have bought the house in. They will take the form and "grant" you the homestead exemption. You will get the reduced homestead taxes.
You can only claim one home as your primary residence and get the homestead exemption. If you are married you can only claim one too. Your wife CAN NOT claim another home as her primary residence and get the homestead exemption.
It is fraud to do so. If you claim a property that is not your primary residence or claim multiple property you will be liable for penalty and interest.
So the bottom line is if you are going to buy a home and live in it, you will fill out the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit and get a reduced tax rate. The form will be part of the closing.
I wish Michigan property tax explanation was easy so it is going to take a few different blogs to fully explain it all. If you have any questions feel free to call me.
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My Month of April quote:
"Sometimes the only way to get to the far shore is to lose sight of the shore you just left"
Russ Ravary
"helping make your move easier"
your local Metro Detroit Realtor helping clients like you sell and buy homes through out the entire Metro Detroit suburbs. I love showing and selling Oakland County and Livingston County Lake front homes too.
Russ - that was interesting. We do not have homestead exemptions here in Missouri. The taxes are based on a specific formula regardless of whether you claim it as your personal residence or not. Thanks for sharing!