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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Mackinac County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Mackinac 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
1.5% to 2.5% of market value (varies by taxing jurisdiction within county)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Mackinac County, Michigan operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local services including schools, county government, townships, and special districts. Property taxes in Mackinac County fund essential services such as education, public safety, road maintenance, and local government operations. The county follows Michigan's standard assessment practices, where properties are assessed at 50% of their true cash value (market value).

Effective property tax rates in Mackinac County typically range from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of market value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county. The actual tax rate you pay depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property, including your local school district, township, and any special assessment districts for services like fire protection or library services. Properties in different areas of the county may have substantially different tax burdens due to these varying local millage rates and special district assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate (mills)Description
County Operating3-5 millsGeneral county services, courts, sheriff
School District15-25 millsLocal school operations (varies by district)
Township/City2-4 millsLocal municipal services
Intermediate School District1-3 millsRegional education services
Community College1-2 millsBay de Noc Community College
Library District0.5-1.5 millsPublic library services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariableFire protection, ambulance, other local services

Note: These rates are estimates for planning purposes. Official tax rates for FY 2025-2026 have not yet been published by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Actual rates vary significantly by specific location within Mackinac County based on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property. Contact the Mackinac County Assessor's office for precise current rates for your specific address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Mackinac 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 Michigan are typically triggered by property ownership changes, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the property may be subject to "uncapping" under Proposal A, where the assessed value can increase to reflect current market value rather than being limited by the annual inflation cap.

The supplemental tax is calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the previous capped value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property sells in Mackinac County and the assessed value increases from $150,000 to $200,000 due to uncapping, and the local tax rate is 40 mills, the additional annual tax would be approximately $2,000 ($50,000 × 0.040), prorated from the date of transfer through the end of the fiscal year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (caps assessment growth): Varies by history
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$140,000 (assuming established homestead)
  • Tax Rate: ~35 mills (varies by location)
  • Annual Tax: ~$4,900
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$408

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (caps assessment growth): Varies by history
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$275,000 (assuming established homestead)
  • Tax Rate: ~35 mills (varies by location)
  • Annual Tax: ~$9,625
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$802

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $500,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (caps assessment growth): Varies by history
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$450,000 (assuming established homestead)
  • Tax Rate: ~35 mills (varies by location)
  • Annual Tax: ~$15,750
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,313

Note: These examples assume application for available homestead credits. All credits require application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Mackinac County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to approximately 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, holds these funds in escrow, and pays your property taxes directly to the county when due.

Property taxes in Mackinac County are typically due in two installments: the first installment by April 1st and the second installment by October 1st. Your lender will monitor these due dates and make payments on your behalf. The escrow account is analyzed annually, and your monthly payment may be adjusted based on actual tax bills and any changes in assessed value or tax rates. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and any surplus or shortage in 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 Mackinac County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments: first installment by April 1st and second installment by October 1st. Check with the Mackinac County Treasurer for exact due dates for FY 2025-2026.

Q: What is the Homestead Property Tax Credit and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Property Tax Credit caps the annual increase in your property's taxable value to the inflation rate or 5%, whichever is less, as long as ownership doesn't change. You must apply for this credit - it's not automatic. Contact the Mackinac County Assessor to file the necessary forms.

Q: Are there other tax credits available that require application? A: Yes, Michigan offers several tax credits including the Veterans Exemption (up to $7,500 assessed value for qualifying veterans), Senior Citizens/Disabled Persons Credit, and Agricultural Exemption. All require separate applications with specific deadlines.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Mackinac County? A: Properties are assessed annually as of December 31st, with assessment notices typically mailed in February or March. The assessment reflects 50% of the property's true cash value as of the assessment date.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal to the local Board of Review, typically meeting in March. If unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes - contact the Assessor's office for exact deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. After the final due date, unpaid taxes become delinquent and may eventually result in tax foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with the Mackinac County Treasurer's office for available online payment options, as systems vary by county in Michigan.

Q: Why might my tax bill vary from my neighbor's on a similar property? A: Tax bills can differ due to different taxing jurisdictions (school districts, special assessment districts), different assessment values, application of various credits or exemptions, and property characteristics affecting assessed value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
7550 Prospectus.pdf - Department of Natural Resourceswww2.dnr.state.mi.us
02
Tax Doc
2025 Ad Valorem Property Tax Reportmichigan.gov
03
Tax Doc
Form 614/L-4029 Tax Rate Requestsmichigan.gov
04
Assessorclarktwpmi.gov
05
County
Clark Township – Mackinac Countyclarktwpmi.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forfeiture and Foreclosuremichigan.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionsmichigan.gov
08
report of the attorney generalag.state.mi.us
09
What is a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)?michigan.gov
10
Michiganirs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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