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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Schoolcraft County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Schoolcraft County, MI. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
25-35 mills (2.5%-3.5% of assessed value), varies by township and special districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Schoolcraft County, Michigan operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, and special districts. Property taxes in the county fund essential services including education, public safety, road maintenance, and county operations. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 25-35 mills (2.5%-3.5% of assessed value), though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county and the special taxing districts that serve your property.

Property tax rates in Schoolcraft County are not uniform across the entire county. Your actual tax rate depends on which municipality, school district, and special assessment districts serve your property. For example, properties in different townships or served by different school districts will have varying total millage rates. The county uses an assessment system where properties are assessed at approximately 50% of their market value, with various tax credits available to qualifying property owners who submit proper applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 tax rates are not yet finalized and typically released in early 2025. The following represents typical components:

ComponentApproximate Rate (Mills)Description
County Operating4-6General county services and operations
School Operating18-24Local school district operations
School Debt Service2-8School bond payments (varies by district)
Township/Municipality1-3Local government services
Library0.5-1.5Public library services
Fire Protection1-4Fire department services
Special AssessmentsVariesRoad improvements, drainage, etc.
Total Estimated25-35Varies significantly by location

Rates shown are estimates for planning purposes. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving each property. Contact your local assessor for current year rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Schoolcraft 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 Michigan are relatively uncommon compared to other states, as Michigan's property tax system primarily operates on annual assessments. However, supplemental taxes may be triggered by significant property improvements completed during the tax year or by the addition of new structures that weren't captured in the annual assessment. When new construction is completed or substantial improvements are made after the annual assessment date (typically January 1), a supplemental assessment may be issued for the remaining portion of that tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the additional assessed value from improvements, applying the current millage rate, and prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 addition in July (assessed value of $50,000), and your total millage rate is 30 mills, you would owe approximately $750 ($50,000 × 0.030 × 6/12 months) in supplemental taxes for that year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $150,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Caps assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$150,000
  • Annual Tax (30 mills): $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Caps assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$300,000
  • Annual Tax (30 mills): $9,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $750

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (50%): $500,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Caps assessment increases
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$500,000
  • Annual Tax (30 mills): $15,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,250

Note: These examples assume a 30-mill rate for illustration. Actual rates vary by location. Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Schoolcraft County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus a cushion typically equal to 2 months of payments. These funds are held in your escrow account and used to pay your property taxes when they become due.

Property taxes in Schoolcraft County are typically billed in two installments: summer taxes due July 1 (payable until September 14) and winter taxes collected by the county. Your lender will receive tax bills directly and pay them from your escrow account. The lender must provide you with an annual escrow analysis showing payments made and any adjustments needed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or millage changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly, typically with 60 days notice from your lender.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Schoolcraft County? A: Summer tax bills are due July 1 and must be paid by September 14. February 28 is the last day to pay current year taxes to local townships. Winter taxes follow a separate schedule managed by the county treasurer.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Property Tax Credit, which requires annual application. This credit caps assessment increases rather than reducing the tax rate. Most tax credits are NOT automatic and require separate applications with deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence and requires you to file an application. It does not reduce your home's market value but caps how much your taxable value can increase each year. You must apply with your local assessor.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Michigan law requires annual assessments as of January 1st each year. Your local assessor reviews property values annually, though physical inspections may occur less frequently unless there are improvements or sales in your area.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest. After the February 28 deadline, unpaid taxes are transferred to the county treasurer with additional fees and interest charges applied.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Many townships and the county treasurer offer online payment options. Check with your specific township treasurer or the Schoolcraft County Treasurer's office for available online payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment by contacting your local assessor first. If unsatisfied, you may appeal to the Board of Review during their scheduled meetings, typically in March and July. Deadlines are strictly enforced.

Q: Who do I contact for questions about my specific property taxes? A: Contact your township assessor for assessment questions and your township treasurer for payment questions. For winter taxes or delinquent accounts, contact the Schoolcraft County Treasurer's office.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your total property tax rate includes millages from all applicable districts including school districts, fire departments, library districts, and any special assessment districts. This is why rates vary significantly by location within the county.

Q: Are there exemptions for seniors or disabled persons? A: Michigan offers various exemptions and credits for qualifying seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. These typically require annual applications and have specific eligibility requirements. Contact your local assessor for available programs and application procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Year ended March 31, 2025schoolcrafttownshipmi.gov
02
Tax Doc
2025 Ad Valorem Property Tax Reportmichigan.gov
03
Treasurerschoolcrafttownshipmi.gov
04
Tax Doc
Summer Property Tax Information & Due Datesschoolcrafttownshipmi.gov
05
township newsletterschoolcrafttownshipmi.gov
06
Michiganirs.gov
07
County
THOMPSON TOWNSHIP, SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY MICHIGAN ...thompsonmi.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionsmichigan.gov
09
State
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Year ended March 31, 2021schoolcrafttownshipmi.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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