Q: When are property taxes due in Marquette County for 2025?
A: Tax bills are mailed July 1st and December 1st each year. The first installment is due by September 14th. Taxes remain payable to your local city or township treasurer until March 1st of the following year, after which they become delinquent and transfer to the County Treasurer.
Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply?
A: The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is the primary tax credit, exempting your primary residence from up to 18 mills of school operating taxes. This credit requires application and is NOT automatic. You must file the application with supporting documents as specified by the assessor.
Q: How does the Homestead exemption work?
A: Michigan's homestead provision caps assessment increases at 5% annually or the inflation rate, whichever is lower, for properties that qualify. This limits assessment growth rather than reducing market value. You must file for this protection - it's not automatically applied.
Q: How often are properties reassessed?
A: Properties are assessed annually, with assessments based on 50% of true cash value. The assessment date is December 31st of the previous year. You can appeal your assessment to the local Board of Review, typically meeting in March.
Q: What are the penalties for late payment?
A: Late payment penalties and interest apply after March 1st when taxes become delinquent and transfer to the County Treasurer. Contact the County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Payment options vary by municipality. Contact your specific city or township treasurer to inquire about online payment availability and accepted payment methods for current taxes.
Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's?
A: Tax rates vary within Marquette County based on the combination of special taxing districts serving your property. Different school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipal boundaries create varying total millage rates across the county.
Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill?
A: Supplemental taxes are issued for new construction completion, major property improvements, ownership changes that reveal missed assessments, or corrections to the assessment roll after the regular tax bills are mailed.