Buyer basics

How Michigan property taxes work

Start with the number labeled Taxable Value. Divide it by 1,000, then multiply by the total mills on the bill. The other value labels explain how the assessor reached that number and whether it may change after a sale.

Read the four values in this order

True Cash Value: Michigan's term for the property's market value.
Assessed Value: The assessor's value before equalization, generally set at 50% of True Cash Value.
State Equalized Value: Assessed Value after county and state equalization, commonly called SEV.
Taxable Value: The value used to calculate the property-tax bill.

Under Proposal A , Taxable Value can stay below SEV while the same owner keeps the property. After a transfer that causes uncapping, Taxable Value is generally reset to SEV in the following calendar year.

Use one formula

Annual property tax is Taxable Value divided by 1,000, multiplied by the total millage rate. If Taxable Value is $150,000 and the rate is 40 mills, the estimate is $6,000 for the year.

One mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of Taxable Value. Mills are not charged directly against the purchase price.

Why nearby homes can have different rates

The total millage is a stack of state education, county, city or township, school, library, public safety, debt, and other voter-approved rates. A city line, township line, village layer, or school-district line can change that stack.

Michigan Treasury publishes the official millage-rate reports . The Michigan Porch calculator organizes those totals by place and school district.

Summer and winter bills

Most Michigan taxpayers see a summer levy around July 1, commonly due September 14, and a winter levy around December 1, commonly due February 14. A city charter or local collection schedule can use different dates, and the split between the two bills varies.

Taxes still unpaid after the last day of February generally become delinquent on March 1 and move to the county treasurer. The local tax bill and treasurer's office control the parcel's exact due date, payment method, and penalties.

Sources and review

Where this information comes from

Michigan property-tax terms and rate reports come from Treasury and State Tax Commission materials.

Data used: Michigan Treasury property tax and millage guidance
Last reviewed: July 12, 2026

Michigan Treasury millage-rate reports for official local millage-rate reports.
Michigan Treasury change-of-ownership guidance for Proposal A, uncapping, and ownership-transfer rules.
State of Michigan property tax estimator for official parcel-oriented property tax estimate.
Michigan Treasury property-tax payment FAQ for common summer and winter dates, local exceptions, and delinquency timing.

Use this carefully: This guide explains the general Michigan math. A local assessor, treasurer, or tax professional should confirm a specific parcel or appeal situation.

Rules, rates, forms, office practices, and local facts can change. When the answer matters, confirm it with the current official source, the responsible office, or a qualified Michigan professional before acting.

Next steps

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