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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Oakland County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Oakland 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
0.8511% ($8.51 per $1,000 assessed value)
1st Due
Jul 31
2nd Due
Feb 14
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Oakland County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property owners in Oakland County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor and updated annually. The county's strategic location in southeastern Michigan, encompassing communities from Pontiac to Birmingham and Royal Oak, creates a diverse property tax landscape serving over 1.2 million residents.

The effective property tax rate in Oakland County for 2025 is 0.8511% (or $8.51 per $1,000 of assessed value), which includes countywide levies for parks and the Huron Clinton Metro Authority. This base county rate applies to all properties, though individual municipalities and school districts may impose additional millages that can significantly impact total tax obligations. Property owners benefit from Michigan's homestead exemption program, which can provide substantial savings for primary residences when properly filed with the county assessor.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Oakland County General0.6461Base county operations, services, and parks levy
Huron Clinton Metro Authority0.2050Regional metropark system funding
Total County Base Rate0.8511Combined countywide property tax rate for 2025
Municipal MillagesVariesCity/township operations (added to county rate)
School District MillagesVariesLocal school funding (added to county rate)
Special AssessmentsVariesFire districts, libraries, transit authorities

Note: The 0.8511% rate represents only the countywide portion. Total effective rates typically range from 2.5% to 4.5% when including municipal and school district millages.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Oakland County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jul 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 14
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 property taxes in Oakland County are additional assessments that may be levied when property undergoes significant changes between regular assessment cycles. These supplemental taxes are most commonly triggered by new construction, major renovations that substantially increase property value, or changes in property ownership that reveal previous under-assessment. The supplemental amount represents the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in March and the county assessor determines this increases the assessed value by $50,000, a supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 increase for the remaining 9 months of the tax year. Using the base county rate of 0.8511%, plus applicable municipal and school millages (assume 3% total), the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,128 ($50,000 × 0.03 × 9/12 months).

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $18,000 (typical municipal exemption)
  • Net Taxable Value: $282,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.8511% (county only)
  • Annual County Tax: $2,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $200

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $18,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $582,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.8511% (county only)
  • Annual County Tax: $4,953
  • Monthly Escrow: $413

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $18,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $982,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.8511% (county only)
  • Annual County Tax: $8,358
  • Monthly Escrow: $697

Note: These calculations show only the Oakland County portion. Total property taxes including municipal and school district millages typically run 3-5 times higher.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Oakland County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly tax payments are collected along with principal and interest, then disbursed to the county treasurer when taxes become due. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount to ensure sufficient funds are available. Property owners should verify their escrow calculations annually, as tax rate changes and assessment increases can create shortfalls requiring additional payments.

Oakland County property taxes are collected by the county treasurer, with payments typically due in summer and winter installments. Property owners with escrowed taxes should monitor their annual escrow analysis statements and can verify tax payments through the Oakland County Treasurer's website at https://www.oakgov.com/treasurer/. The site provides real-time tax payment status, historical payment records, and current tax amounts due. Property owners without escrow accounts must pay taxes directly to the county treasurer by the specified due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Oakland County property taxes due? A: For unpaid 2024 taxes, the final payment deadline is February 28, 2026. Generally, summer taxes are due July 31 and winter taxes are due February 28 of the following year.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and how do I apply? A: The homeowner's principal residence exemption reduces taxable value for primary residences. You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence as of June 1st or November 1st. Apply through the Oakland County Assessor at https://www.oakgov.com/equalization/.

Q: How is my property's assessed value determined? A: Oakland County assessors evaluate properties annually based on market sales, property characteristics, and neighborhood trends. Assessed values should reflect 50% of true market value under Michigan law.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal assessments through the Oakland County Board of Review. Contact the assessor's office at https://www.oakgov.com/equalization/ for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. For 2024 taxes, payments made after February 28, 2026, will face additional charges. Prolonged non-payment can lead to tax foreclosure.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Oakland County offers online payment options through the treasurer's website at https://www.oakgov.com/treasurer/. Multiple payment methods are typically accepted.

Q: Are senior citizens eligible for property tax relief? A: Michigan offers various programs for seniors including poverty exemptions, deferrals, and credits. Contact the Oakland County Assessor for eligibility requirements and applications.

Q: What's included in my total property tax bill beyond the county rate? A: Your total bill includes Oakland County taxes (0.8511%), plus municipal millages, school district taxes, and special assessments which vary by location within the county.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Oakland County? A: Properties are assessed annually, but major reassessments considering all properties in a jurisdiction typically occur every few years to ensure equity and accuracy across the tax base.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Oakland Countyromi.gov
02
Tax Doc
Guide to Property Taxesoaklandtwpmi.gov
03
Treasureroaklandtwpmi.gov
04
County
Property Taxes | Oakland County, MIelections.oaklandcountymi.gov
05
City Treasurer's Officetroymi.gov
06
County
Treasurer's Office | Oakland County, MIelections.oaklandcountymi.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Foreclosure Prevention | Royal Oak, MIromi.gov
08
property owners applying for hardship exemption (financial ...pontiac.mi.us
09
County
Programs & Services | Oakland County, MIelections.oaklandcountymi.gov
10
County
Annual Financial Reports | Oakland County, MIelections.oaklandcountymi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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