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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clare County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Clare 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
0.9843% baseline rate (9.843 mills), varies by township/city and school district within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clare County, Michigan operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, county operations, townships, cities, libraries, and special districts. Property owners in Clare County face an effective tax rate of approximately 0.9843% (9.843 mills) based on the taxable value of their property, though this represents a baseline rate that can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county.

The actual property tax rate you pay depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property. Clare County contains multiple townships, cities, school districts, and special assessment districts, each with their own millage rates. These overlapping jurisdictions mean that two properties of equal value in different parts of the county may have substantially different tax bills. The county uses Michigan's standardized assessment system, where properties are assessed at 50% of true cash value, with that assessed value then subject to various caps and adjustments to determine the final taxable value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County OperatingVariableGeneral county services and administration
School OperatingVariableLocal school district operations (subject to homestead exemption)
School DebtVariableVoter-approved school bonds and infrastructure
Township/CityVariableMunicipal services, fire, police
LibraryVariablePublic library services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariableDrainage, road improvements, other districts
Total Rate9.843Combined rate for Clare-Gladwin area (FY 2025)

Note: The 9.843 mill rate cited applies specifically to properties in the Clare-Gladwin taxing area for the 2025 tax year. Rates vary throughout Clare County based on your specific combination of taxing jurisdictions. Contact the Clare County Equalization Department at (989) 539-7131 for rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Clare 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 Clare County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to a property's taxable value. The most common triggers include change of ownership (which can uncap assessed value growth), new construction completion, property improvements, or corrections to the original assessment. These supplemental bills are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new taxable values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June and it adds $50,000 to your taxable value, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately $246 ($50,000 × 0.009843 × 6/12 months remaining). Property owners have the right to request changes to their property tax assessment if they believe the supplemental assessment is incorrect, and should contact the Clare County Assessor's office within the appeal period specified on the supplemental notice.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $150,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps annual assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$150,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,476 ($150,000 × 0.009843)
  • Monthly Escrow: $123

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps annual assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,953 ($300,000 × 0.009843)
  • Monthly Escrow: $246

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $500,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps annual assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$500,000
  • Annual Tax: $4,922 ($500,000 × 0.009843)
  • Monthly Escrow: $410

Note: The Homestead Exemption requires annual application and primarily provides exemption from school operating taxes for primary residences. Actual calculations may vary based on specific taxing districts and individual property circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Clare County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects approximately 1/12 of your annual tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, then pays your tax bills directly to Clare County when due. The county mails winter tax bills on December 1st (due February 14th) and summer tax bills typically in July, and your lender should receive and pay both installments from your escrow account.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected, especially after reassessments or supplemental tax bills. If you pay your own taxes without escrow, mark your calendar for the February 14th winter tax deadline and summer due dates. You can verify payments and check balances through the Clare County Treasurer's online system, and should provide payment confirmations to your lender if they request verification of tax payments for insurance or loan purposes.

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 Clare County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Winter tax bills are mailed December 1, 2024 and due by February 14, 2025. Summer tax bill due dates vary by municipality. All unpaid taxes become delinquent on March 1st and are turned over to the Clare County Treasurer.

Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and do I need to apply? A: The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is a tax credit that exempts your primary residence from local school operating taxes and caps annual taxable value increases. You must file Form 2368 with your local assessor - it is not automatic and requires application.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Clare County? A: Michigan law requires annual assessments, but full market reviews typically occur every few years. You'll receive a Notice of Assessment each year showing any changes to your property's assessed or taxable value.

Q: Can I appeal my property tax assessment? A: Yes. You can appeal to the local Board of Review (typically meets in March), then to the Michigan Tax Tribunal if unsatisfied. Appeal deadlines are strictly enforced, usually within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid taxes after the February 14th deadline. Properties can eventually face tax foreclosure if taxes remain unpaid for multiple years.

Q: Can I pay my Clare County property taxes online? A: Contact the Clare County Treasurer's office at (989) 539-7131 or visit the county website for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Why did my taxes increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax increases can result from higher millage rates approved by voters (like school bonds), new special assessments, or changes in tax district boundaries, even without assessment changes.

Q: What other tax credits are available besides the Homestead Exemption? A: Michigan offers various credits including disabled veteran exemptions, senior/disabled freezes, and poverty exemptions. Each requires separate application with specific deadlines and eligibility requirements. Contact your local assessor for details and application forms.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
OFFICIAL BALLOThayestwpclaremi.gov
02
OFFICIAL BALLOThayestwpclaremi.gov
03
clare city commissioncityofclare.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax & Assessing – Welcome to Harrison Michigan!cityofharrison-mi.gov
05
Tax Doc
2024 Summer Tax Due Datecityofclare.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax and Equalization Calendar for 2025michigan.gov
07
County
Hamilton Township – Hamilton Twp Clare Countyhamiltontwp.us
08
Assessorcityofclare.gov
09
October 20, 2025cityofharrison-mi.gov
10
State
Audited Financial Statementscityofclare.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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