Q: When are property taxes due in Newaygo County for the 2025 tax year?
A: Summer taxes are due August 10, 2025, and winter taxes are due February 14, 2026. Summer taxes include city/township, state education tax (SET), and local school taxes. Winter taxes include county operating millage and other county-levied taxes.
Q: What is the Principal Residence Exemption and how do I apply?
A: The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is a tax credit that exempts your primary residence from the 18-mill school operating tax, saving approximately $18 per $1,000 of taxable value annually. You must file Form 2368 with your local assessor by May 1st following the year you establish residency. This is NOT automatic and requires annual verification.
Q: Does the Homestead Property Tax Credit limit my assessment increases?
A: Yes, Michigan's Proposal A limits annual assessment increases to 5% or the inflation rate, whichever is lower, for principal residences and qualified agricultural property. This applies automatically once you file for the Principal Residence Exemption, but the exemption itself must be applied for—it's not automatic.
Q: Are there property tax credits available for seniors or veterans?
A: Newaygo County offers poverty exemptions for qualifying low-income homeowners who meet specific income thresholds. Veterans may qualify for certain exemptions on specially adapted homes. Contact your local township or city assessor before the December Board of Review meeting to apply. These require annual applications with income documentation.
Q: How is my property assessed and when can I appeal?
A: Properties are assessed annually at 50% of true cash value (market value). Assessment notices are mailed by March 1st. You can appeal to your local Board of Review in March, the Michigan Tax Tribunal by July 31st, or informally discuss your assessment with your local assessor year-round.
Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments?
A: Summer taxes become delinquent after August 10th and are turned over to the county treasurer with interest and collection fees. Winter taxes accrue interest at 1% per month starting March 1st. Properties with three years of delinquent taxes may enter tax foreclosure proceedings.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Yes, Newaygo County offers online payment options through their website. Summer taxes are paid to your local city or township (each may have different online systems), while winter taxes are paid directly to the Newaygo County Treasurer at newaygo.org.
Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Newaygo County?
A: Tax rates vary based on the special taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, fire departments, library districts, and drainage districts. Each district sets its own millage rate approved by voters, creating different total rates throughout the county.
Q: How do special assessments differ from property taxes?
A: Special assessments are one-time charges for specific improvements like road paving, sewer installation, or sidewalk construction that directly benefit your property. Unlike property taxes, special assessments can often be paid in installments over several years with interest.
Q: What happens if I disagree with a supplemental tax bill?
A: You can appeal supplemental taxes to the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 35 days of the bill date. Contact the tribunal at (517) 335-9760 or your local assessor's office to discuss the assessment that triggered the supplemental tax.
