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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Branch County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Branch 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
30-50 mills (3.0-5.0%) - varies by township, city, and school district combination
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Branch County, Michigan operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, public schools, libraries, and special districts. Property taxes in Branch County support essential services including road maintenance, public safety, emergency services, and educational programs across the county's townships, cities, and villages.

The property tax system in Branch County follows Michigan's assessment practices, with properties assessed at approximately 50% of true cash value. Effective tax rates typically range from 30-50 mills (3.0% to 5.0%) depending on your specific location within the county, as rates vary significantly based on the combination of local taxing authorities that serve your property. These may include county operations, township or city governments, school districts, intermediate school districts, community college districts, library districts, and various special assessment districts for services like fire protection or road improvements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized. The following represents typical components based on 2024 levy year data:

ComponentTypical Rate RangeDescription
County Operating4.5-6.0 millsGeneral county services, courts, sheriff
School District Operating18-24 millsLocal school district operations
Intermediate School District0.5-1.5 millsRegional education services
Community College1.5-3.0 millsKalamazoo Valley Community College
Township/City1.0-4.0 millsLocal municipal services
Library0.5-2.0 millsPublic library services
Special AssessmentsVariesFire protection, roads, drainage

Total Effective Rate: 26-41 mills typically

Rates vary by specific taxing districts serving your property location. Contact the Branch County Equalization Department for exact rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Branch 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 Branch County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction completion, or corrections to the original assessment. These occur when the assessed value increases during the tax year due to events like completing new construction, adding structures, or discovering previously unassessed improvements.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in October, and your area's tax rate is 35 mills, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,750 (50% assessment ratio × $100,000 × 0.035) prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. A $5 processing fee applies to supplemental tax bills in addition to any standard payment processing fees.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $150,000 (50% of market value)
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Taxable Value: $132,000
  • Annual Tax (35 mills): $4,620
  • Monthly Escrow: $385

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Annual Tax (35 mills): $9,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $823

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $500,000
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Taxable Value: $482,000
  • Annual Tax (35 mills): $16,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,406

Examples use 35 mills as average rate. Actual rates vary by location. Principal Residence Exemption requires annual application and applies only to primary residences.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Branch County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until tax bills are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax each month, plus a cushion amount as allowed by federal regulations.

Property taxes in Branch County are due February 28th each year, becoming delinquent March 1st. Lenders usually receive tax bills directly from local treasurers and make payments before the deadline. Homeowners should verify their escrow account has sufficient funds and that payments are made timely, as you remain ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow. You can verify payments were made by checking with your township, city, or village treasurer's office. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special assessments, your lender will adjust monthly escrow payments accordingly, typically with advance notice.

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 Branch County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due by February 28, 2026. Taxes become delinquent on March 1st with penalties and interest applied.

Q: What is the Principal Residence Exemption and how do I apply? A: The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is available for your primary residence and can reduce your taxable value by up to $18,000. You must apply annually with your local assessor's office. This is not automatic - application is required each year you want the exemption.

Q: Does the Homestead Property Tax Credit reduce my assessed value? A: No, the Homestead Property Tax Credit is a state tax credit that may provide a refund or reduce state income tax owed. It does not change your property's assessed value. The credit helps limit assessment increases on your principal residence to inflation or 5%, whichever is lower, but requires filing with your state tax return.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Branch County? A: Properties are assessed annually, with values established as of December 31st for the following tax year. The county equalization department reviews assessments to ensure they reflect approximately 50% of true cash value.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with your local Board of Review, typically meeting in March. Contact your township, city, or village assessor for specific dates and procedures. Appeals must be filed during the Board of Review period or by certain statutory deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest and penalties accrue on delinquent taxes beginning March 1st. Contact your local treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Many Branch County townships, cities, and villages offer online payment options. Contact your local treasurer's office for available payment methods. A $5 supplemental fee may apply for electronic payment processing.

Q: Why did my tax bill include special assessments? A: Special assessments fund specific local improvements or services like fire protection, road maintenance, or drainage projects. These rates vary by the special districts serving your property location and are separate from general operating taxes.

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
Tax Doc
Form 614/L-4029 Tax Rate Requestsmichigan.gov
03
County
Property Taxes – Branch County, Michiganbranchcounty.gov
04
County
Taxes – Branch County, Michiganbranchcounty.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax and Equalization Calendar for 2025michigan.gov
06
County
Fees – Branch County, Michigan - Register of Deedsbranchcounty.gov
07
Equalization - Forms & Resourcesbranchcounty.gov
08
Poverty Exemption Informationbranchcounty.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionsmichigan.gov
10
Tax Doc
Online Tax Payment Feesbranchcounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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