West Michigan
Just bought a home in West Michigan? Your property tax is about to change.
Request your free reviewWhat to know
Four things every Michigan buyer should know
01
The seller’s taxes aren’t your taxes
While someone owns a home, Michigan caps how fast its taxable value can rise. The year after you buy, the cap comes off and taxable value resets to the assessed value, often much higher. Budget for the jump.
02
Confirm your transfer affidavit was filed
Your Property Transfer Affidavit (Form 2766) must reach the assessor within 45 days of closing. Your title company usually files it, but not always, and a late filing can bring a penalty.
03
File your homestead exemption
If it’s your primary residence, file the Principal Residence Exemption (Form 2368) with your city or township by June 1 or November 1. Without it, you pay up to 18 extra mills of school operating tax.
04
Check your assessment in February
Your assessment notice arrives in late February. If the city values your home well above what you paid, you can appeal at the March Board of Review.
- ClosingThe cap comes off the following year
- Within 45 daysForm 2766, the Property Transfer Affidavit, is filed
- June 1 or Nov. 1File Form 2368, your homestead exemption
- Late FebruaryYour assessment notice arrives
- MarchBoard of Review hears appeals
- JulyThe summer tax bill shows the result
How we help
Start with a free review
We rebuild your assessment from the city’s own records and tell you whether an appeal is worth filing. If it is, we build the appeal packet you take to the Board of Review, or we file and present it for you.
Free review
Free
We rebuild the city’s valuation from your property record card and its own sales study, test it against comparable sales, and tell you whether the assessment holds up.
Appeal packet
$350 flat fee
We build the case the Board of Review will hear, with filing instructions and deadlines. You present it.
Full representation
40% of year-one tax savings, plus a $250 filing fee
Everything in the packet, and we file and present it as your authorized agent, including the Tax Tribunal’s Small Claims Division if the board says no. The 40% applies only if your value comes down.
Request your free review
Tell us where the home is and, if you know it, what you paid. We’ll pull the record and email you what we find within two business days.
Prefer to call or email? 616.304.5738 · appeals@boringpropertytax.com