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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Barry County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Barry 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
Approximately 1% of taxable value (varies by local taxing districts and millage rates)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Barry County, Michigan operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, and special districts. Property owners in Barry County pay taxes based on their property's taxable value, which is generally 50% of the state equalized value (market value). The effective tax rate in Barry County typically ranges around Michigan's statewide average of approximately 1%, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

It's important to understand that your actual property tax rate depends heavily on which special taxing districts serve your property. These can include school districts, library districts, fire protection districts, and other local authorities, each with their own millage rates. Two properties with identical values in different parts of Barry County may have substantially different tax bills due to these district variations. The county provides essential services including road maintenance, public safety, and administrative functions, while additional millages fund schools and specialized services in your area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County OperationsVariesGeneral county services, administration, public safety
School OperatingVaries by DistrictLocal school district operations and programs
School Debt ServiceVaries by DistrictVoter-approved school bonds and capital projects
Intermediate School DistrictVariesBarry ISD services and special education
Community CollegeVariesKalamazoo Valley or Glen Oaks Community College
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (where applicable)
Fire ProtectionVariesLocal fire department services
Special AssessmentsVariesParks, drainage, or other local improvements

Note: The 2025 tax rates for Barry County are not yet finalized and will be determined by the end of 2024. Rates shown are subject to voter approval for certain millages and vary significantly by township, city, village, and special district boundaries. Contact the Barry County Equalization Department or check the Michigan Department of Treasury website for the most current rates for your specific tax code area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Barry 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 Barry County occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. Unlike the regular annual tax bill, supplemental taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurs.

Common triggers include new home construction completion, major renovations, property splits or combinations, and corrections to property records. For example, if a new home is completed and receives its occupancy permit in June, the owner would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December of that tax year. The local treasurer or county treasurer, depending on who maintains the tax roll, is responsible for billing property owners any supplemental amounts. These bills are separate from your regular winter and summer tax statements and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption Application: -$18,000
  • Taxable Value: $132,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 35 mills
  • Annual Tax: $4,620
  • Monthly Escrow: $385

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption Application: -$18,000
  • Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 35 mills
  • Annual Tax: $9,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $823

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $500,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption Application: -$18,000
  • Taxable Value: $482,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 35 mills
  • Annual Tax: $16,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,406

Note: Examples use estimated rates and standard homestead exemption amounts. Actual rates vary by location and special districts. All exemptions require application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Barry County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the down payment is less than 20%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the county treasurer when they become due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law.

Property taxes in Barry County are collected on a fiscal year basis, with winter taxes typically due in February and summer taxes due in July. Your lender will receive tax bills directly from the county and should pay them before the penalty date to avoid late fees. You should receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. It's important to verify that your lender has paid your taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for the debt even when using an escrow account.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Barry County for the current fiscal year? A: Winter property taxes are typically due February 16th without penalty, with a 3% late fee applying after that date. Summer taxes are generally due in July, though specific dates may vary by jurisdiction.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Exemption, which requires filing Form 2368 with your local assessor. This credit reduces taxable value and caps annual assessment increases. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons, but all require separate applications and are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption is actually a tax credit that reduces your taxable value and limits annual assessment increases to protect against rapid property value growth. You must file Form 2368 before May 1st of the year following your home purchase, and it's not automatically applied.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Barry County? A: Properties are assessed annually, but Michigan's Proposal A limits taxable value increases to the lesser of 5% or inflation for properties with homestead exemptions, until ownership changes.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: A 3% penalty is typically applied to late winter tax payments after February 16th. Additional interest and fees may accumulate monthly thereafter.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Barry County accepts credit card payments for property taxes online, though convenience fees may apply. Check with your local treasurer's office for specific payment options.

Q: Why do my neighbors pay different tax rates on similar homes? A: Tax rates vary based on the special taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, fire departments, libraries, and other local services. Different areas of the county have different combinations of these services.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must typically be filed with your local Board of Review by mid-March. Contact your township or city assessor for specific deadlines and procedures for the current tax year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
2025 Ad Valorem Property Tax Reportmichigan.gov
02
Treasurer – Johnstown, Township (Barry, MI)johnstowntwpmi.gov
03
County
Village of Nashville MI | Barry County Michigannashvillemi.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax and Equalization Calendar for 2024michigan.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax and Equalization Calendar for 2025michigan.gov
06
Treasurerprairievilletwp-mi.gov
07
Search Results - Michigan Legislaturelegislature.mi.gov
08
Tax Doc
For the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Exemption ...bigrapidstownshipmi.gov
09
County
CITY OF HASTINGS BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ANNUAL ...hastingsmi.gov
10
Principal Residence Exemption Audit Reportmichigan.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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