The purpose of this page is to familiarize business owners with the Personal Property Tax. We will attempt to explain the functions of the City Treasurer and Assessor’s Office in the administration of the tax.
Personal Property
Personal Property includes furniture, fixtures, signs, machinery and equipment, etc. Typical items are desks, chairs, computers, cash registers, racks, beds, televisions, tools, leased equipment, etc. If you question whether an item is personal property, contact the Assessor’s Office at 586-469-6818 ext. 4. Tax Day – The City Assessor values your personal property as of Tax Day. Change of location after tax day does not alter the assessment. Under Michigan Law Tax Day is December 31st of each year. Property is valued at market or true cash value and assessed at 50% thereof.
Statement of Personal Property
The City Assessor mails out personal property statements in December of each year. Under State Law, statements are to be filed with the Assessor declaring all personal property. The statements are utilized by the Assessor in valuing your personal property. Should you not receive a statement in early January, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 586-469-6818 ext. 4.
Returning the Form
It is imperative that you return the completed statement in a timely fashion. Statements are due early in February each year. If you do not return this statement, the Assessor is authorized, by law, to estimate the assessment in such an amount that they deem reasonable. Written verification is needed as to the status of your business. ESTIMATED ASSESSMENTS ARE VALID AND FINAL.
Contesting the Assessment
An assessment may be contested if you believe it is inaccurate. If you disagree with your assessment you may appeal to the March Board of Review and further to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. However, to file with the Tribunal, you must appeal to the local Board of Review in March. Contact the Assessor’s Office at 586-469-6818 ext. 4 for further details regarding this process.
Jeopardy Assessment
When the City becomes aware of a business closing, selling, transferring or downsizing, or if the previous year’s personal property tax is delinquent, the Treasurer has the authority to levy what is called a “Jeopardy Assessment.”