Apply for a Property Tax Exemption for an Organization

1. Check if you're eligible

There are multiple types of organizations that may qualify for a property tax exemption under Michigan law.   Please see the City’s exemption application for a list of the most common exemption statutes. 

To qualify for this exemption, you'll have to own and occupy the property as of December 31st prior to the year you want to be exempt.

2. Complete the application

Your application has to be filed no later than the second Monday in March. Organizations may submit an application for exemption for the upcoming tax year as early as April 1, however, all applications must be reviewed based on the status of the property as of tax day, which is December 31. For this reason, organizations submitting applications in April through December for the upcoming tax year will be contacted by the City Assessor’s Office in December to schedule an inspection of the property.  Organizations submitting applications in January, February or March will be contacted shortly after their application is received to schedule an inspection of the property.

You'll need to print and sign the application before turning in the original to the Assessor's office. Don't have a printer? You can pick up the form at our office, we're located at the address listed in the Contact Us section of this page.

Download in English(PDF)

3. Mail your application and all required documents to our office

Mail your application and all required supporting documentation to the address listed in the Contact Us section of this page.

4. Review of application

All applications undergo a legal review by the City Assessor’s Office and the City Attorney’s Office.  The review process also requires that City staff be allowed by the applicant to conduct a physical inspection of the property.  Decisions are issued in writing during January, February, and March of the tax year in which the exemption will apply.  Unsuccessful applicants may appeal the decision of the City Assessor to the March Board of Review for the current year only.  Unsuccessful applicants must appeal to the March Board of Review in order to preserve the right to appeal further to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

5. Annual requirements

The City Assessor’s Office is required to review all exempt properties on an annual basis.  As a result, organizations that are exempt from property taxes may periodically be requested to file an updated exemption application.  Failure to file an updated exemption application when requested may jeopardize the continuation of the exemption.