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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Iosco County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
20-35 mills (2.0-3.5% of assessed value), varies by taxing district combination
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Iosco County, Michigan serve as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, fire protection, emergency services, road maintenance, and county operations. The county follows Michigan's standard property tax assessment system, where properties are assessed at 50% of their true cash value (market value), and taxes are calculated based on the lower of assessed value or taxable value.

Iosco County's effective property tax rates typically range from approximately 20-35 mills (2.0% to 3.5% of assessed value), though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. Each property owner's total tax bill includes levies from multiple jurisdictions: the county, township or city, school district, and any applicable special assessment districts for services like libraries, fire protection, or road improvements. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on their exact location and the particular taxing districts that serve their area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentTypical Rate RangeDescription
County Operating4.5-6.0 millsGeneral county services, courts, sheriff
School Operating18.0-24.0 millsLocal school district operations
School Debt0-8.0 millsVoter-approved school bonds (varies by district)
Township/City1.0-4.0 millsLocal municipal services
Fire Protection1.0-3.0 millsFire department services (varies by district)
Library0.5-2.0 millsPublic library services (if applicable)
Special Assessments0.5-3.0 millsVaries by district (road, water, sewer)

Total Typical Range: 25.5-50.0 mills

Note: These rates apply to the 2024-2025 tax levy year. Actual rates vary significantly by specific location within Iosco County based on which combination of taxing districts serve each property. School debt millages and special assessments create the most variation between different areas of the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Iosco 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 Iosco County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to a property's assessed value. The most common triggers include change of ownership (property sales), new construction completion, additions or major improvements to existing structures, or discovery of previously unassessed improvements. When these events occur, the county assessor determines the difference between the old and new assessed values and calculates the additional tax owed for the remainder of the current tax year.

The supplemental tax calculation is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year when the change occurred. For example, if a property sells in March and the assessed value increases by $50,000, the new owner would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 increase for the remaining 10 months of the tax year. Monthly interest is computed from the date the original taxes were due (typically December 31st) until payment is received. Property owners are responsible for paying these supplemental bills promptly, as they accrue interest and penalties similar to regular property tax payments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Principal Residence Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $150,000 (50% of market value)
  • Principal Residence Exemption Applied: Caps taxable value growth
  • Estimated Taxable Value: $140,000
  • Tax Rate: 32 mills (varies by district)
  • Annual Tax: $4,480
  • Monthly Escrow: $373

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Citizen Credit

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizen Credit: Reduces tax bill by ~$1,200 (requires application)
  • Taxable Value: $285,000
  • Tax Rate: 28 mills
  • Annual Tax Before Credit: $7,980
  • Annual Tax After Credit: $6,780
  • Monthly Escrow: $565

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (No Credits)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $500,000
  • Taxable Value: $500,000 (no credits applied)
  • Tax Rate: 35 mills (higher due to special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $17,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,458

Note: All credits require application and approval. Rates shown are estimates and vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Iosco County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, typically calculating 1/12th of the annual property tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases. Property taxes in Iosco County are due December 31st each year, and lenders typically make payments on behalf of homeowners in late December or early January.

Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statements carefully, as tax rate changes or assessment increases can result in escrow shortages requiring additional payments. When property values increase significantly or new special assessments are approved, monthly escrow payments may need adjustment. Homeowners can verify their tax payments by checking with the Iosco County Treasurer's office or viewing payment records online. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, remember that Michigan law allows payment in two installments: summer taxes (operating millages) and winter taxes (school millages), though Iosco County follows the annual December 31st due date system.

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 Iosco County for the 2024-2025 tax year? A: Property taxes are due by December 31st each year. For the 2024-2025 tax year, taxes were due December 31, 2024.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Principal Residence Exemption is the primary credit, requiring application with the local assessor. Senior citizens may qualify for additional credits. Veterans with disabilities may qualify for exemptions. All credits require separate applications and are not automatic.

Q: How does the Principal Residence Exemption work? A: This credit limits assessment increases on your primary residence to the lesser of 5% annually or the inflation rate, helping keep taxable value below assessed value. You must file Form 2368 with your local assessor to qualify.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the local Board of Review, typically meeting in March. Contact your township or city assessor for specific dates and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face foreclosure proceedings through the county treasurer's office.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Iosco County offers online payment options through the county treasurer's website. Credit card and electronic check payments are typically accepted with associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Iosco County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, fire districts, library districts, and special assessment districts, creating varying total millage rates across the county.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Property sales, new construction completion, major improvements, or discovery of previously unassessed structures can trigger supplemental taxes for the remainder of the tax year.

Q: How do I apply for the homestead exemption? A: File Form 2368 (Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit) with your local city or township assessor. This must be done for each property and is not automatically transferred.

Q: What happens if I disagree with a supplemental tax assessment? A: You can appeal supplemental assessments through the same process as regular assessments, typically through your local Board of Review or the Michigan Tax Tribunal for higher-value disputes.

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