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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Ontonagon County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Ontonagon 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
56 mills base rate, varies by taxing district and location within county
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Ontonagon County, Michigan operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, road maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Ontonagon County are calculated using a millage rate system, where each mill represents $1 of tax per $1,000 of taxable value. The county's 2025 property tax rate is 56 mills, though this represents a combination of various local levies and your actual rate may differ based on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates vary significantly across Ontonagon County depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. These can include school districts, library districts, fire protection districts, and other local authorities. Each district adds its own millage to your total tax bill, meaning properties in different areas of the county will have different effective tax rates even with similar assessed values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County OperationsVariesGeneral county services and administration
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and debt service
Township/CityVariesMunicipal services within incorporated areas
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (where applicable)
Fire ProtectionVariesFire and emergency services districts
Special AssessmentsVariesRoad improvements, drainage, other local projects
Total Combined Rate~56 millsApproximate total for FY 2025-2026

Note: The 56-mill rate represents an average combination for the 2025 levy year. Your actual rate depends on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Contact the Ontonagon County Assessor's office for your exact millage rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Ontonagon 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 Ontonagon County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to your property that affect its assessed value during the current tax year. Common triggers include new construction, major renovations, changes in property ownership that remove existing exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated on a pro-rated basis for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value in March, and your total millage rate is 56 mills, you would owe approximately $2,800 in additional taxes ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × 56 mills) prorated for the remaining 9 months of the fiscal year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $2,100.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (caps assessment increases): Varies by property history
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$150,000
  • Annual Tax (56 mills): $8,400
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$700

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (application required): Varies by property history
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (56 mills): $16,800
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,400

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50% of market): $500,000
  • Less: Available credits (application required): Varies by eligibility
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$500,000
  • Annual Tax (56 mills): $28,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,333

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Ontonagon County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion, typically 2 months of payments. The lender pays your property taxes directly to the county when they become due.

Property taxes in Ontonagon County are typically collected in two installments: the first due by July 1st and the second by October 1st, with final payment due by December 1st for the current fiscal year. Your lender will make these payments on your behalf from your escrow account. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account balance and any adjustments needed for the following year.

If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new special assessments, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You'll receive notification of any changes, and you may have the option to pay any escrow shortage in a lump sum or spread it over 12 months.

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 Ontonagon County for FY 2025-2026? A: The first installment is due by July 1st, the second by October 1st, and final payment by December 1st. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What is the Homestead Property Tax Credit and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases to help long-term residents. You must file an application with the county assessor - it is not automatic. This credit limits assessment growth rather than reducing your property's market value.

Q: What other tax credits are available in Ontonagon County? A: Veterans with disabilities may qualify for property tax credits, and senior citizens may be eligible for deferrals or credits based on income. Low-income homeowners may qualify for poverty exemptions. All credits require separate applications with specific deadlines.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Michigan law requires annual assessment reviews, but major reassessments typically occur every few years. You'll receive notice of any significant changes to your assessed value and have appeal rights.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually face tax foreclosure proceedings if payments remain outstanding.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Ontonagon County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted methods. Many Michigan counties offer online payment systems for convenience.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts like fire protection, library, or road maintenance districts add their own millage to your tax bill. The specific districts affecting your property depend on your location within the county.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the local Board of Review, typically meeting in March. Appeals must be filed by specific deadlines, and you'll need evidence supporting your claim that the assessment is incorrect.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Millage Rate Calculationmichigan.gov
02
Tax Doc
2025 Michigan Taxpayer Assistance Manualmichigan.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Ad Valorem Property Tax Reportmichigan.gov
04
Ontonagon-2024-Audit-Report-5. ...oasd.k12.mi.us
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forfeiture and Foreclosuremichigan.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questionsmichigan.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionsmichigan.gov
08
Page 1 of 2 sb176/330/364/2324 DIS. VET. EXEMPTIONlegislature.mi.gov
09
Tax Doc
Taxpayer's Guide - Michigan Legislaturelegislature.mi.gov
10
2023 66 Ontonagon 4029michigan.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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