Assessing Department
Contact Information
FAX: 586-286-9390
Email: Assessor@clintontownship.com
James Elrod, Assessor
Beth Schwartz, Assistant Assessor
StaffAlicia Bernabei, Property Appraiser IV
Kyle Murphy, Property Appraiser III Michele Cantalupo, Property Appraiser II Jessica Holden, Appraiser Tech Debra Ferraro, Appraisal Clerk II The Assessing Department is open and available for inspection of public assessing records and documents during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Property and Tax Data SearchUse Public Records Search to:
Canvass ProgramThe Assessing Department will have canvassers in residential neighborhoods throughout Clinton Township from May through September. They are verifying and updating records including measuring the exteriors of structures only. The canvassers are Clinton Township employees and will have Clinton Township vehicles and identification badges. If you have any questions, call the Assessing Department at 586-286-9468.
FAQClick the links below to expand/collapse the information:
What does the Assessing Department do?
What does the Assessing Department do?
The Assessing Department is responsible for the preparation of the annual Assessment Roll which is completed in accordance with the General Property Tax Act (GPTA). The Assessing Department follows the GPTA and State Tax Commission (STC) guidelines in order to determine taxable status, true cash value, assessed value, and taxable value for all real and personal property within Clinton Township.
What is the difference between Assessed Value and Taxable Value?
What is the difference between Assessed Value and Taxable Value?
Assessed Value is defined by state law as 50% of the market value of the property as of December 31st of the preceding year. Once equalized and approved by the STC your Assessed Value becomes the State Equalized Value (SEV) and this figure, along with Taxable Value, appears on your property tax bill. Taxable Value is derived from a formula created by Proposal A in 1994 which was designed to limit rises in property taxes by “capping” and restricting the rise in Taxable Value to the rate of inflation. Disregarding transfers of ownership or changes to your property, each year your Taxable Value can rise 5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. However, your Taxable Value cannot be higher than your Assessed Value.
How are my property taxes calculated?
How are my property taxes calculated?
Your property tax amount is determined by multiplying your Taxable Value by the millage rate. Millage rate totals will vary depending on which school district your property is located within. There are five school districts operating wholly or partially within Clinton Township: Chippewa Valley, L’anse Creuse, Clintondale, Fraser, and Mt Clemens. Therefore it is possible for two properties to have the same Taxable Value but a different property tax amount because they are in different school districts and are subject to different millages. Other amounts may appear on your tax bill but they are not taxes and are not calculated using your Taxable Value. These items may include special assessments, street light charges, and delinquent water or weed cutting bills.
How is my property value calculated?
How is my property value calculated?
All values are calculated according to State Tax Commission (STC) standards. Property valuation in Michigan is a mass appraisal system that incorporates the cost approach, the sales comparison approach, and the income approach to value. Each year the assessor is required to analyze sales within economic neighborhoods using a two-year study. The results of the studies are applied to the neighborhoods so that assessed values are at 50% of market value.
Shouldn’t the Assessed Value be half of what I paid?
Shouldn’t the Assessed Value be half of what I paid?
No. By state law, Assessed Value is not half its purchase price but instead half of its market value. Section 211.27(6) of Michigan Complied Law states “the purchase price paid in a transfer of property is not the presumptive true cash value of the property transferred. In determining the true cash value of transferred property, an assessing officer shall assess that property using the same valuation method used to value all other property of that same classification in the assessing jurisdiction.”
I recently purchased a home. Will my property taxes be the same as the prior owner’s
taxes
I recently purchased a home. Will my property taxes be the same as the prior owner’s
taxes
Maybe not. In 1994 voters passed Proposal A to help curb the fast rise in property taxes. Assessed Values are still calculated in the same way, however Proposal A created a separate value on which to base property taxes (Taxable Value). So while the Assessed Value may climb at a fast rate in accordance with the market, the formula under Proposal A “caps” the Taxable Value of a property and keeps it from growing as fast as the Assessed Value. Therefore a gap can form between the two values and the gap generally increases over time. However, in the year following an eligible transfer of ownership, the Taxable Value is “uncapped” and made equal to the Assessed Value, but only for that year following the transfer. When a parcel is uncapped there could be a substantial increase in the property taxes for the new owner depending on the difference between the Assessed and Taxable Values of the property. As such, it’s possible for every property in your area to have different Taxable Values and different property
What is the Principal Residence Exemption or “Homestead” exemption?
What is the Principal Residence Exemption or “Homestead” exemption?
If you own and occupy your home as your primary residence you may qualify for the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE). This exempts you from a portion of your local school operating millage. To claim a PRE you must file the form at the Assessing Department. When you no longer qualify you must file the rescission form. Forms are available on our website and at the Assessing Department. Please visit Michigan.gov/PRE for information and guidelines regarding the PRE.
Are there any other exemptions/reductions available to me?
Are there any other exemptions/reductions available to me?
There is a poverty exemption which is income-based. If you have low income please contact the Assessing Department for a poverty exemption application packet. There is also an exemption for disabled veterans. If you are a disabled veteran or a surviving spouse of a disabled veteran please contact the Assessing Department for more information.
What is a Property Transfer Affidavit?
What is a Property Transfer Affidavit?
A Property Transfer Affidavit (PTA) MUST be filed whenever real estate or some types of personal property are transferred (even if you are not recording a deed or the transfer occurs via a land contract). The form is used by the assessor to ensure the property is assessed appropriately and to make the proper transfer of ownership determination. The PTA must be filed by the buyer/grantee at the Assessing Department within 45 days of the transfer. If the PTA is not timely filed then the owner is subject to a penalty. For residential property, the penalty is $5/day (maximum $200). For commercial and industrial property, the penalty is $20/day ($1,000 maximum).
What is the Real Property Statement that you mailed to me and why are you asking me for this
information?
What is the Real Property Statement that you mailed to me and why are you asking me for this
information?
The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered that information about the financing of property sales must be gathered. The purpose of the form is to determine whether favorable financing provided by the seller may have caused the sale price to increase, i.e. mortgage amounts, interest rates, and any personal property received by the buyer, etc. If so, any increase in price due to favorable seller-provided financing must be removed before the sale is considered for property assessment study purposes. Information disclosed on Real Property Statements is CONFIDENTIAL and will only be shared by the Assessor, County Equalization Department, State Tax Commission, and others involved in and for the determination of assessments.
What if I am unhappy with my assessment?
What if I am unhappy with my assessment?
First please review your property information online or at the Assessing Department to ensure accuracy. Assessing staff are here to help you understand your assessment and property record. If you wish to appeal your assessment you may do so at the March Board of Review. This is the only time of the year you may appeal your assessment locally. For residential property a proper, timely-filed appeal to the March Board of Review is required if you wish to appeal further to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Assessment Change Notices are mailed near the end of February each year. The notice will show your previous values as well as the tentative new values for the new year. The information on how to appeal to the March Board of Review, including dates, times, and the filing deadline is at the bottom of the notice form. March Board of Review details will also be posted on our website, in the local newspaper, and at the Civic Center. Personal PropertyPlease click on the button below to view updated personal property information including forms and guidelines.
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Applications and FormsName & Address Change Form
Condominium Information Condo/Sub Address Application Individual Address Application Land Division / Combination Guidelines Land Division / Combination Application Form Land Adjustment Information Property Classes Information Homeowner FormsAre you a new homeowner in Clinton Township? If so, be sure to fill out the applicable forms below. Many times you are given these forms at closing and either you or your realtor turns them in to the Assessing Department.
The buyer usually files a Property Transfer Affidavit and Principal Residence Exemption forms (if the residential home is their primary residence, nationwide). The seller usually files a Request to Rescind Principal Residence Exemption (if the property was their principal residence). Property Transfer Affidavit (must be filed within 45 days of transfer)
Principal Residence Exemption Request to Rescind Principal Residence Exemption Conditional Rescission of Principal Residence Exemption Condo InformationUse the link below to look up number of units, approximate acreage, number of phases, sub plan, number, condo type, and if the condos were converted from apartments. To view condo sketches, it may be necessary to come into the Assessing Department to view the Master Deed.
Industrial Facilities InformationPlease call the Assessing Department at 586-286-9468 to discuss the application processes below. It is important that all procedures are followed exactly as given.
If you are applying for a NEW Industrial Facilities Certificate, please fill out the two applications below. New IFT Certificate Application Michigan Department of Treasury Form 1012 If you are transferring an existing Industrial Facilities Certificate, please fill out the two applications below. Transfer of Existing IFT Certificate Michigan Department of Treasury Form 1012 If you would like to create a new Industrial Development District, please fill out the application below. Industrial Development District Tool & Die Recovery ZonesPlease click on the link below for information and an application on Tool & Die Recovery Zones.
Tool & Die Recovery Zone Application |
