Every property in Michigan is assigned a State Equalized Value (SEV) by the local assessor, which should equal 50% of true cash (market) value. Your tax bill is based on Taxable Value, which is capped by Proposal A at the rate of inflation or 5% per year (whichever is lower) until the property is sold. If your SEV is too high relative to comparable properties, you may be overpaying.

Property owners must first appeal to their local (city or township) Board of Review, which meets on the second Monday of March. Evidence typically includes comparable sales within the prior two years and documentation of property condition. If you disagree with the Board's decision, you can petition the Michigan Tax Tribunal by July 31 for residential property.

Filing with the local Board of Review is free. The Michigan Tax Tribunal's Small Claims Division (for properties under $100,000 contested value) charges a $150 filing fee; the Entire Tribunal Division has higher fees for larger properties. You can represent yourself at either level.

Michigan's Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) exempts your primary home from 18 mills of school operating tax, a substantial savings on most tax bills. Additional exemptions include the Disabled Veterans Exemption (100% exemption for eligible veterans with a service-connected disability), the Poverty Exemption for low-income homeowners, and homestead property tax credits on the state income-tax return.