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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ingham County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ingham 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
County rate 6.7479 mills (0.67479%), total varies by location with overlapping jurisdictions
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ingham County's property tax system funds essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. With an effective tax rate of approximately 2.23%, Ingham County ranks as the second-highest county in Michigan for property taxes, trailing only Wayne County at 2.55%. The county's 2025 tax rate is 6.7479 mills (0.67479%), though this represents just one component of your total property tax bill.

Your actual property tax rate varies significantly based on your specific location within Ingham County due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions. These include school districts, municipalities, townships, libraries, parks and recreation authorities, and other special assessment districts. Properties are assessed annually at 50% of market value by the Ingham County Equalization Department, which conducts comprehensive sales and appraisal studies to ensure uniform assessments countywide.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Ingham County6.7479County operations, services (FY 2025)
School DistrictVariesLocal school operations (typically 18-24 mills)
Municipality/TownshipVariesCity/township services (typically 5-15 mills)
Intermediate School DistrictVariesRegional education services (typically 2-4 mills)
Community CollegeVariesLansing Community College district
Library DistrictVariesPublic library funding where applicable
Special AssessmentsVariesParks, fire, ambulance, drainage districts

Total Effective Rate Range: 32-45 mills (3.2% - 4.5%)

Note: Rates apply to the 2025 tax year (January 1 - December 31, 2025). Your specific rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property location. Contact the Ingham County Treasurer for your exact millage breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ingham 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 are additional property tax bills issued when property ownership changes or new construction is completed mid-year. In Ingham County, supplemental taxes ensure that tax obligations are properly allocated between previous and new property owners based on the actual ownership period during the tax year.

Common Triggers:

  • Property sales and ownership transfers
  • Completion of new construction or major improvements
  • Removal or addition of exemptions mid-year
  • Boundary line adjustments or lot splits

Calculation Method: The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the triggering event. For example, if you purchase a home in July, you'll receive a supplemental bill covering July through December, calculated as 6/12 of the annual tax amount adjusted for any assessment changes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

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

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $300,000
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: -$18,000 (homestead)
  • Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Annual Tax (35 mills): $9,870
  • Monthly Escrow: $822

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

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

Note: Examples assume 35 mills total rate and Principal Residence Exemption application. Actual rates vary by location. All exemptions require annual application.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ingham County require property tax escrow accounts for loans exceeding 80% loan-to-value ratio. Your lender collects monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment, then pays property taxes directly to the Ingham County Treasurer on your behalf.

Escrow Timeline:

  • Monthly Collection: 1/12 of annual tax estimate plus cushion
  • Annual Analysis: Lender reviews account balance each year
  • Payment Schedule: Taxes paid by February 28 deadline
  • Adjustments: Monthly payments adjusted based on actual tax bills

Verification Responsibilities: Even with escrow, homeowners should verify payments are made timely and accurately. Request copies of tax payment receipts from your lender and monitor your escrow account statements. Contact your lender immediately if you receive delinquency notices, as escrow payment errors can result in penalties and interest charges on your 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 Ingham County? A: Property taxes are due February 28, 2025 for the 2025 tax year. Late payments incur fees and penalties starting March 1.

Q: What is the Principal Residence Exemption and how do I apply? A: This credit caps annual assessment increases and provides an $18,000 exemption from school operating taxes. You must file Form 2368 with your local assessor. This is NOT automatic and requires annual verification of residency.

Q: What other tax credits are available? A: Disabled veterans exemption, senior citizen/disabled person property tax credit, and poverty exemptions are available. All require separate applications with specific income and eligibility requirements. Contact the Ingham County Equalization Department for applications.

Q: How often are properties assessed? A: Annual assessments occur countywide. The Equalization Department conducts sales studies and physical inspections to maintain assessments at 50% of market value.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: File with the local Board of Review in March, then the Michigan Tax Tribunal if needed. An informal Assessor's Review is offered by townships before the formal Board of Review process.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid taxes starting March 1. Properties become delinquent and subject to foreclosure proceedings if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payment options are available through the Ingham County Treasurer's website. Processing fees may apply for electronic payments.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary by location? A: Properties are served by different combinations of school districts, fire departments, libraries, and other special authorities. Your specific location determines which districts serve your property and their individual tax rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
ANNUAL BUDGET: 2025-2026mason.mi.us
02
Millage Rateswilliamstownmi.gov
03
Treasurervillageofstockbridgemi.gov
04
Assessing | Meridian Township, MImeridian.mi.us
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax and Equalization Calendar for 2026michigan.gov
06
FAQs | Lansing, MI - Official Websitelansingmi.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim (MI-1040CR)michigan.gov
08
Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption, Form 5107williamston-mi.us
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionsmichigan.gov
10
clark schaefer hackettwilliamstownmi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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