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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Calhoun County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Calhoun 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
18.4 mills (1.84%) county average, varies 1.5-2.0% by school district and municipality
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Dec 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Calhoun County, Michigan serve as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, municipal services, and special districts. The county operates under Michigan's property tax system where taxes are collected on both real and personal property based on assessed values determined by local assessors.

Calhoun County's 2025 property tax rate is set at 18.4 mills (1.84%), though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. Property owners may see effective rates ranging from approximately 1.5% to over 2.0% depending on their specific tax jurisdiction. The county follows Michigan's standard assessment practices where property is assessed at 50% of true cash value, with various tax credits available to qualifying property owners who submit proper applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

FY 2025 Tax Rate Components for Calhoun County

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County Operating4.2General county services and operations
School Operating8.5-12.0Varies by school district
Intermediate School District0.5Regional education services
Municipal2.0-8.0City/township services (varies by location)
Special Districts0.5-3.2Fire, library, parks (varies by location)
Total Base Rate18.4County average - varies by district

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly based on your specific location within Calhoun County due to different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. The 18.4 mill rate represents a county average and individual properties may experience rates from 15-22 mills depending on local assessments and district combinations.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 tax bills in Calhoun County are issued when property undergoes significant changes that affect its assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations, ownership transfers that remove existing exemptions, or assessment corrections. When a supplemental bill is issued, it calculates the difference between the original assessment and the new assessment, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a property completes a $100,000 addition in March, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value (50% of $100,000 = $50,000 additional assessment) multiplied by the applicable tax rate, then prorated for the remaining 10 months of the tax year. Calhoun County charges interest at 1% per month or fraction thereof on supplemental tax bills, making prompt payment important to avoid additional costs.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $150,000
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $132,000
  • Annual Tax (18.4 mills): $2,429
  • Monthly Payment: $202

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $300,000
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Annual Tax (18.4 mills): $5,189
  • Monthly Payment: $432

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $500,000
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $482,000
  • Annual Tax (18.4 mills): $8,869
  • Monthly Payment: $739

Note: Principal Residence Exemption requires annual application and exempts the first $18,000 of school operating taxes for qualifying primary residences.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Calhoun County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until tax bills are due. Calhoun County issues summer tax bills in early July (due mid-August to mid-September) and winter tax bills in early January (due by mid-February).

Lenders typically pay your taxes directly to the county treasurer during the penalty-free payment periods. Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information and review their annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are being collected. If you pay your own taxes, remember that Calhoun County's 2026 winter taxes are due February 17, 2026, and summer 2025 taxes were due September 15, 2025.

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 Calhoun County for 2025-2026? A: Summer 2025 taxes were due September 15, 2025. Winter 2026 taxes are due February 17, 2026. Taxes can be paid without penalty starting July 1 for summer bills and December 1 for winter bills.

Q: What is the Principal Residence Exemption and how do I apply? A: This tax credit exempts the first $18,000 of assessed value from school operating taxes for your primary residence. You must file Form 2368 (Homeowner's Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit) with the assessor annually. This is not automatic and requires application.

Q: Are there other tax credits available in Calhoun County? A: Yes, including credits for senior citizens, veterans, disabled persons, and poverty exemptions. All require separate applications with specific deadlines and documentation. Contact your local assessor for eligibility requirements and application forms.

Q: How does the homestead assessment cap work? A: Michigan limits annual assessment increases to 5% or the inflation rate (whichever is lower) for homestead properties. This caps growth in taxable value but doesn't reduce market value. You must file for homestead classification - it's not automatic.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed by mid-March following the assessment notice. Contact your local assessor's office for specific deadlines and appeal procedures for your municipality.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues at 1% per month on unpaid taxes after the due date. Additional collection fees and potential tax foreclosure proceedings may follow for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Calhoun County offers online payment options through the county treasurer's website. Check with your specific municipality as some local units may have separate payment systems.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Calhoun County? A: Different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special districts (fire, library, parks) create varying total millage rates. Your specific rate depends on all taxing jurisdictions where your property is located.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
FY 2025 Budgetcalhounmi911.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Taxesleroytwp-calhounmi.gov
03
County
Calhoun County 911 Millage Proposal Shallelections.calhouncountymi.gov
04
Tax Doc
FAQ Property Tax Processcalhouncountymi.gov
05
Treasurer | Battle Creek, MIbattlecreekmi.gov
06
PENNFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIPpennfieldmi.gov
07
Pro perty Ta x Foreclo surecalhouncountymi.gov
08
County
Assessor – Homer Township – Calhoun Countyhomertownshipcalhouncounty.gov
09
Tax Doc
Homestead Property Tax Creditmichigan.gov
10
“TWELFTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE”), dated ...sec.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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