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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sanilac County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Sanilac 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
20-35 mills (2.0-3.5% of SEV), varies by municipality and special districts
1st Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sanilac County, Michigan operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, townships, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these governmental units, with assessments based on the state equalized value (SEV) of real property. The effective tax rate in Sanilac County typically ranges from approximately 20-35 mills (2.0% to 3.5% of SEV), though this varies significantly by location within the county.

Property tax rates in Sanilac County vary by municipality and special taxing districts, meaning two properties of equal value may have different tax bills depending on their specific location. The county operates on a split tax bill system with winter taxes (county, township, and library) due February 14th and summer taxes (primarily school operating millages) due September 14th. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate and applicable districts with the county treasurer's office, as local millages and special assessments can significantly impact the total tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized. Contact the Michigan Department of Treasury or Sanilac County Treasurer for current levy year rates.

ComponentEstimated Rate (Mills)Description
County Operating4.5-6.0General county services and operations
School Operating18.0-24.0Local school district operations (summer tax)
Township/City1.0-3.0Municipal services, varies by jurisdiction
Intermediate School District2.0-4.0Regional education services
Community College1.5-2.5Regional community college support
Library Millage0.5-1.5Public library services (where applicable)
Special AssessmentsVariableDrainage, fire protection, other local services

Total Estimated Range: 27-42 mills

Actual rates vary significantly by specific location within Sanilac County due to different combinations of special taxing districts, voter-approved millages, and municipal boundaries.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Feb 1
Delinquent after Dec 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 taxes in Sanilac County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. These typically arise from new construction, improvements, or ownership changes that weren't reflected in the annual assessment roll. When improvements are completed or new structures are added to a property, the assessor determines the additional assessed value and applies the current tax rate to calculate the supplemental tax.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $100,000 home addition in March, and their property's SEV increases by $50,000 as a result, they would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 increase prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated using the same millage rate applied to their regular property taxes, but only for the portion of the year after the improvement was completed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value (SEV): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Caps assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $150,000
  • Tax Rate: 30 mills (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value (SEV): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Caps assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 32 mills (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $9,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $800

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value (SEV): $500,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): Caps assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate: 35 mills (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $17,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,458

Note: Homestead credits require annual application and limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Actual rates vary by specific location and special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sanilac County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to the county treasurer when bills are due. Monthly escrow amounts are calculated based on the previous year's tax bill divided by 12, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal regulations.

Property owners with escrowed taxes should receive annual escrow statements from their lender detailing payments made and any shortages or surpluses. Since Sanilac County uses a split payment system with winter taxes due February 14th and summer taxes due September 14th, lenders typically make two payments per year. Property owners should verify that their lender has current mailing addresses and is receiving tax bills properly, as any delays in payment result in interest charges and potential penalties that may be passed to the borrower.

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 Sanilac County? A: Winter tax bills are mailed by December 1st and due February 14th. Summer tax bills are due September 14th. These dates apply to the current fiscal year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which caps annual assessment increases and requires annual application with the local assessor. Most credits are NOT automatic and require timely filing.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your home's value. You must occupy the property as your principal residence and file annually with your local assessor or board of review.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Michigan law requires annual assessments, but major reassessments typically occur every few years. Property owners receive assessment notices in early spring and can appeal to the local board of review.

Q: What happens if I pay taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Sanilac County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts for services like drainage, fire protection, or libraries add millages to your tax bill. These vary by property location within the county.

Q: What if I don't receive my tax bill? A: Contact the County Treasurer immediately. Property owners remain responsible for payments even if bills are not received due to address changes or mail issues.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Reportssanilaccounty.gov
02
Master Plan Update 2025worthtownshipmi.gov
03
Tax Doc
2025 Ad Valorem Property Tax Reportmichigan.gov
04
Treasurersanilactownshipmi.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax and Equalization Calendar for 2026michigan.gov
06
Sheriff Foreclosure Salessanilaccounty.gov
07
Forester Township Poverty Exemption Guidelinesanilaccounty.gov
08
Recording Requirementssanilaccounty.gov
09
Assessingsanilactownshipmi.gov
10
ETRP in BRA TIF plan (Sheet 2)michigan.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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