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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dickinson County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.05 mills county operational rate, varies by district with additional school, library, and local authority millages
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Dec 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dickinson County, Michigan operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, roads, public safety, and county operations. Property taxes in Dickinson County are calculated using a millage-based system, where taxes are assessed per $1,000 of taxable value. The county's operational millage rate is set at 0.05 mills (5 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation) for the five-year period from 2020-2025, as established by the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners.

Actual property tax rates vary significantly by location within Dickinson County due to overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, library districts, fire departments, and other local authorities. While the county's base operational rate is minimal, homeowners typically pay combined rates that include state education tax, local school operating millages, and various special assessments. Property owners should expect their total effective tax rate to be substantially higher than the county's base 0.05 mill rate when all taxing jurisdictions are combined.

The county follows Michigan's assessment practices, with properties assessed at approximately 50% of true cash value, and taxable value calculations that may be limited by the state's assessment growth caps for qualifying homestead properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County Operating0.05Base Dickinson County operational millage (2020-2025)
State Education Tax6.00State-mandated education funding
School OperatingVariesLocal school district operating millage (varies by district)
School DebtVariesSchool bond payments (varies by district)
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library funding (where applicable)
Fire ProtectionVariesLocal fire department funding (varies by district)
Special AssessmentsVariesRoad improvements, drainage, other local projects

Note: These rates apply to the current tax levy year. The total millage rate for any property depends on its location within specific taxing districts. School district millages, fire protection districts, and other special assessments can vary significantly across different areas of Dickinson County. Property owners should consult their tax bill or contact the Dickinson County Equalization Department for their specific total millage rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dickinson 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 taxes in Dickinson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's taxable status or value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements, ownership transfers that affect exemption status, or corrections to assessment errors. The county assessor is responsible for billing property owners any supplemental taxes along with monthly interest computed from the date the taxes were last payable.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current millage rate to the change in taxable value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property addition valued at $50,000 (creating $25,000 in additional taxable value) is completed in January, and the total millage rate is 25 mills, the supplemental tax would be approximately $625 ($25,000 ÷ 1,000 × 25 mills) for the full year, plus interest from the original due date.

Property owners receive separate supplemental tax bills that must be paid in addition to their regular property tax obligations. These bills include detailed explanations of the assessment change and applicable interest charges from the original tax due date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $150,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps taxable value growth
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 25 mills
  • Annual Tax: $3,750
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $313

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps taxable value growth
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 25 mills
  • Annual Tax: $7,500
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $625

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $500,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps taxable value growth
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 25 mills
  • Annual Tax: $12,500
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,042

Note: These examples use estimated combined millage rates. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts. Homestead credits require application and limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dickinson County require borrowers to establish escrow accounts for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of the mortgage payment, then pay property taxes directly to the county on behalf of the homeowner. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing the annual tax bill by 12, often with an additional buffer to account for potential tax increases.

Property tax bills in Dickinson County are typically issued annually, with payment due dates varying by local municipality within the county. Lenders monitor these due dates and ensure timely payment to avoid penalties and interest charges. Homeowners should verify that their lender has current contact information and that tax payments are being made promptly, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax obligations even when payments are escrowed.

Homeowners can typically access their tax payment history through their mortgage servicer's online portal or by contacting the Dickinson County Treasurer's office directly. When refinancing or paying off a mortgage, borrowers should ensure proper transfer of escrow responsibilities and verify that final tax obligations are properly handled during the transition period.

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 Dickinson County? A: Tax due dates vary by municipality within Dickinson County. Contact your local treasurer's office or the Dickinson County Treasurer for specific due dates in your area for the current fiscal year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Michigan offers several tax credits including the Principal Residence Exemption (Homestead Credit), Qualified Agricultural Property exemption, and various veteran exemptions. All credits require application through the local assessor's office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Principal Residence Exemption (Homestead Credit) limits annual assessment increases and must be filed with your local assessor. It caps taxable value growth but does not reduce your property's market value. You must file form 2368 to claim this credit.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Michigan requires annual assessment updates, but comprehensive reappraisals typically occur every few years. The county assessor reviews market sales and property changes annually to maintain assessments at approximately 50% of true cash value.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payment penalties include interest charges and potential collection fees. Specific penalty rates and collection procedures vary by local treasurer within Dickinson County.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Online payment options vary by municipality within Dickinson County. Contact your local treasurer's office to confirm available electronic payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts for schools, libraries, fire protection, and other services add millage to your base county rate. Your location determines which special districts apply to your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review, typically in March. Contact the Dickinson County Equalization Department for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: New construction, property improvements, ownership changes affecting exemptions, or assessment corrections can trigger supplemental taxes with interest from the original due date.

Q: Are there exemptions for seniors or disabled persons? A: Michigan offers various exemptions for qualifying seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. These require application through your local assessor's office with supporting documentation.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
DICKINSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ...dickinsoncountymi.gov
02
Millage Rate Calculationmichigan.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Ad Valorem Property Tax Reportmichigan.gov
04
County
Dickinson County Transfer Tax Exemptionsdickinsoncountymi.gov
05
Tax Doc
Michigan Transfer Tax Exemptionsdickinsoncountymi.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property-Tax-Poverty-Exemption-Forms-and-Resolution- ...felchtownship.gov
07
2023 22 Dickinson 4029michigan.gov
08
Principal Residence Exemption Audit Reportmichigan.gov
09
County
ORIGINAL TO: County Clerk(s)michigan.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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