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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kalamazoo County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kalamazoo 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
7.8617 mills proposed for 2026, varies by district due to overlapping special taxing authorities
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Dec 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kalamazoo County, Michigan operates on a millage-based property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local governments throughout the county, with rates expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of taxable value). The proposed millage rate for 2026 is 7.8617 mills, though the final 2025 rate has not yet been determined.

Effective tax rates in Kalamazoo County vary significantly by location due to overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, library districts, fire departments, and other local authorities. While Michigan's statewide average effective rate is approximately 1%, actual rates in Kalamazoo County depend on your specific municipality and the combination of local millages that apply to your property. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate by consulting their tax bill or contacting their local treasurer, as rates can differ substantially between neighboring areas within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County OperationsTBDBasic county services, courts, sheriff
School DistrictVariesK-12 education funding (varies by district)
Intermediate School DistrictVariesRegional educational services
Municipal/TownshipVariesLocal government services
Library DistrictVariesPublic library systems (where applicable)
Fire/EMSVariesFire protection and emergency services
Special AssessmentsVariesInfrastructure, drainage, lighting districts

Total Proposed Rate: 7.8617 mills for FY 2025-2026 (subject to final approval)

Note: Actual millage rates vary significantly by location within Kalamazoo County. School district millages typically represent the largest component. Contact your local treasurer for exact rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo County are additional property tax bills issued when taxable value increases mid-year due to ownership changes, new construction, or property improvements. Under Michigan's Proposal A system, when property changes ownership, the taxable value can immediately jump to the current assessed (market) value, potentially creating a substantial supplemental tax bill.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by taking the difference between the new taxable value and the previous taxable value, then applying the current millage rate for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property's taxable value increases from $150,000 to $250,000 due to a sale in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $100,000 difference, prorated for six months at the applicable millage rate. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 30-60 days of the triggering event and must pay them separately from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $150,000 (50% of market value)
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000
  • Taxable Value: $132,000
  • Annual Tax: $132,000 × 7.8617 mills = $1,038
  • Monthly Escrow: $86

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000
  • Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Annual Tax: $282,000 × 7.8617 mills = $2,217
  • Monthly Escrow: $185

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $500,000
  • Less: Principal Residence Exemption: $18,000
  • Taxable Value: $482,000
  • Annual Tax: $482,000 × 7.8617 mills = $3,789
  • Monthly Escrow: $316

Note: Principal Residence Exemption requires annual application. Calculations use proposed 2026 millage rate and may vary based on specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kalamazoo 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 equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion for rate increases. Property taxes in Michigan are billed annually but can be paid in two installments - the summer tax bill (July 1) and winter tax bill (December 1).

Escrow accounts are typically analyzed annually, with lenders adjusting monthly payments based on actual tax bills received. If your escrow account has a shortage, the lender may increase your monthly payment or allow you to pay the deficit over 12 months. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statements carefully and can request account details at any time. When refinancing or paying off a mortgage, any excess escrow funds must be returned within 30 days, while shortages become immediately due.

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 Kalamazoo County? A: The final deadline to pay property taxes to your local treasurer is February 28. For 2026, this deadline falls on February 28, 2026. Taxes not paid by this date may lead to foreclosure proceedings.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The Primary Residence Exemption (PRE) is the main tax credit, reducing taxable value by up to $18,000. This credit requires annual application and is NOT automatic. Additional credits may be available for seniors, veterans, and disabled persons - all requiring separate applications with specific deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: Michigan's Principal Residence Exemption caps annual assessment increases at the lesser of 5% or inflation rate, preventing large tax increases on occupied homes. You must file form 2368 with your local assessor to claim this protection - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Properties are reassessed annually, but increases in taxable value are limited by Proposal A caps until ownership changes. Assessed values should equal 50% of true cash value (market value).

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late fees and interest begin accruing on March 1 for unpaid taxes. Properties with delinquent taxes may enter foreclosure proceedings, with the county ultimately acquiring title if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Most municipalities in Kalamazoo County offer online payment options. Contact your local treasurer's office or visit the Kalamazoo County website for available payment methods in your jurisdiction.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with your local Board of Review, typically meeting in March. Contact your city or township assessor's office for specific dates and required forms.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Kalamazoo County? A: Different school districts, fire departments, libraries, and special assessment districts create varying millage rates. Your total rate depends on all applicable taxing authorities for your specific address.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
notice of public hearing on proposed 2026 budget and ...kalcounty.gov
02
Tax Doc
2025 Taxpayer Assistance Manual Supplementmichigan.gov
03
2025 IFT REPORT & TOP 25 LARGEST PROPERTY ...kalcounty.gov
04
County
Tax Foreclosure Timeline | Kalamazoo County, MIkalcounty.gov
05
Tax Doc
Summer Property Tax Information & Due Datesschoolcrafttownshipmi.gov
06
11790apps.irs.gov
07
eighth supplemental indenturesec.gov
08
County
County Clerk(s)michigan.gov
09
2024 MI-1040CR-2 Instructionsmichigan.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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