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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Baraga County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Baraga County, MI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location within county, approximately 1% base rate plus local millages
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Baraga County, Michigan operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and municipal services. Property taxes in Baraga County are based on the state's equalized assessed value system, where properties are assessed at approximately 50% of their market value. The Michigan base rate averages around 1% statewide, though actual rates in Baraga County vary significantly based on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of taxing authorities.

Your total property tax bill in Baraga County consists of multiple components including county operations, school districts, township or municipal services, and various special assessment districts. Effective tax rates typically range from 2.5% to 4% of assessed value depending on your specific taxing district combination. The 2024 tax rates are currently available, but 2025 rates are still being determined by local government decisions and will vary by municipality and special district within Baraga County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized. The following represents typical components - actual rates vary by location within Baraga County.

ComponentTypical Rate RangeDescription
County Operating3.5-5.5 millsGeneral county services, administration
School District18-24 millsLocal school operations and debt service
Township/City2-6 millsMunicipal services, varies by jurisdiction
Library District0.5-1.5 millsPublic library services (where applicable)
Fire Protection1-3 millsFire department services
Special AssessmentsVariesRoad improvements, drainage, other local projects

Total Effective Rate Range: 25-40 mills (2.5% - 4.0% of assessed value)

Levy Year: FY 2024-2025 (rates for FY 2025-2026 pending local government approval)

Special taxing districts within Baraga County create significant rate variations. Contact your local assessor for your specific district combination and exact millage rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Baraga County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Baraga County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or property improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When property changes hands or improvements are completed, the assessor may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the current tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on how many months remain in the current tax year. For example, if a $50,000 improvement is completed in October and your total tax rate is 35 mills, the supplemental tax would be approximately $875 ($25,000 assessed value increase × 0.035 tax rate × 6 months remaining ÷ 12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value: $150,000 (50% of market value)
  • Principal Residence Exemption: -$18,000 (homestead exemption)
  • Taxable Value: $132,000
  • Tax Rate: 35 mills (3.5%)
  • Annual Tax: $4,620
  • Monthly Escrow: $385

Example 2: $600,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Principal Residence Exemption: -$18,000
  • Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Tax Rate: 35 mills (3.5%)
  • Annual Tax: $9,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $823

Example 3: $1,000,000 Market Value Home

  • Assessed Value: $500,000
  • Principal Residence Exemption: -$18,000
  • Taxable Value: $482,000
  • Tax Rate: 35 mills (3.5%)
  • Annual Tax: $16,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,406

Note: Principal Residence Exemption requires annual application and caps assessment increases. Actual rates vary by specific location within Baraga County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Baraga County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual tax bill plus a small buffer amount. The lender holds these funds in a separate account and pays your property taxes directly to Baraga County when due.

Property taxes in Baraga County are due by March 31st for the previous tax year. Summer taxes are typically billed in July and winter taxes in December. Lenders usually pay taxes shortly before the due date to avoid penalties. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing your account balance and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Baraga County for the 2025-2026 tax year? A: Property taxes are due by March 31, 2026. Unpaid taxes are forwarded to the county treasurer for collection on March 1st of the following year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Principal Residence Exemption (homestead credit) is the primary credit available, requiring annual application. This credit provides an $18,000 exemption from assessed value and caps annual assessment increases. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons - all require separate applications.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The Principal Residence Exemption caps your property's taxable value increases to no more than the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less. It does NOT reduce market value but limits assessment growth. You must file an application with your local assessor to qualify.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Michigan law requires annual assessments, but major reassessments typically occur every 3-5 years. You can appeal your assessment during the March Board of Review meetings in your township or city.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: After March 31st, unpaid taxes are forwarded to the county treasurer. After one year, properties are forfeited to the county treasurer and face potential foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact your local township or city treasurer for online payment options. Payment methods vary by municipality within Baraga County.

Q: How do special assessment districts affect my tax bill? A: Special districts for services like fire protection, libraries, or road improvements add additional millages to your base tax rate. Your specific combination depends on your exact location within Baraga County.

Q: Who do I contact about my specific tax rate? A: Contact your local township or city assessor for your exact millage rate combination, as rates vary significantly across different areas of Baraga County based on the special taxing districts that serve your property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Millage Rate Calculationmichigan.gov
02
Baraga Area Schools Operating Millage Renewal Proposalhoughtoncounty.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Ad Valorem Property Tax Reportmichigan.gov
04
Important Information For Property Ownersco.marquette.mi.us
05
2024 MI-1040CR-2 Instructionsmichigan.gov
06
Emergency Area Relief: May 2025michigan.gov
07
Tax Doc
Application for Exemption from Property Taxesmarquettemi.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionsmichigan.gov
09
Tax Doc
2025 MI-1040CR-2 Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim ...michigan.gov
10
Search Results - Michigan Legislaturelegislature.mi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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