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1. Do I qualify for a Principal Residence Exemption?

Homeowners who own and occupy a homestead as their principal residence may be exempt from a portion of the school operating tax. In order to claim this exemption, the homeowner must file a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit with the City office at 375 Depot Rd, Clarkston, MI 48346 by June 1st. Adjustments will be made by the assessor on the next property tax bill. Homeowners may claim only one homestead in Michigan.
Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit

2. Can I make a Request to Recind?

A homeowner who has claimed a Principal Residence Exemption on a property and sells that property or converts the home to another use (i.e. rental property) must rescind the exemption they maintained when the property was owned and occupied as a primary residence in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. If it is determined that a property was claimed as a Principal Residence when in fact it was not, the owner may be subject to additional property taxes, penalty and interest.
Request to Rescind Principal Residence Exemption

3. When do I need to file a Property Transfer Affidavit?

A Property Transfer Affidavit form must be filed whenever real estate or some types of personal property are transferred, even if you do not record a deed. It must be filed by the new owner with the City or the County within 45 days of the transfer. If it is not filed within 45 days, a penalty may apply.
Property Transfer Affidavit

4. What factors contribute to the increase in taxable value of my property?

Due to the passage of Proposal A, your taxable value can only increase 5% or the CPS (Consumer Price Index), whichever is lower. The taxable value can also increase when new construction is added. This includes decks, garages, additions, etc. Assessments will change according to the effect of the market conditions. Should you need information regarding assessments, field sheets or tax matters, please contact the City Office.

5. How can I challenge the assessment of taxable value on my property?

Every year a change of assessment notice is mailed to all homeowners informing them of any changes in the assessed and taxable values of their property. The March Board of Review meetings are held at City Hall and appointments are required to make an appeal. The Board hears appeals for the current year only. Appeals relating to property value or hardship are held at this meeting. Should you not agree with the Board of Review action, you may appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The July and December Board of Review are held for mutual mistakes of fact or clerical error, hardship, and homestead status only.