Each year the City of Detroit assess your property for tax purposes.  Detroit’s millage rate is currently around 70 mills. This is outrageous! We have the second highest millage rate in the state.

How can you lower your tax assessment?
Your property should be appraised by looking at the properties surrounding your home within a reasonable distance. Looking at similar neighborhoods and similar conditions, this will ensure your assessment is equitable.

• Lowering Detroit’s property taxes will be my top priority in the Michigan Senate.
• During my tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives, I successfully passed an amendment to the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, which reduced property taxes in many Detroit neighborhoods by 18-35%. As your Senator I will work hard to expand the act to reach the remaining Detroit neighborhoods.

How can you appeal your assessment?
Find out how your district levies property taxes by calling the assessor's office. Here is a helpful link to the Detroit assessor’s office: http://www.ci.detroit.mi.us/Departments/Finance/AssessmentDivision/tabid/88/Default.aspx

• Once you are on the website look for your property card, which lists the details of your home. Check each item for mistakes, from the number of bathrooms to the number of square feet.
• Pull the property cards for neighbors who have similar homes in terms of age, style, and features.
• If the assessments on similar properties are significantly lower by 10% or more; you have a good case based on uniformity.
• You have a great base to start building your case. Remember you only have 60 days or less to appeal your assessment from the date your assessment was mailed.
• File your appeal by hand delivering it, or though certified mail. Make sure you receive a receipt.
• Attend a hearing prior to your appeal to become better acquainted with the questions board members might raise.
• Prepare visuals with photos of your home and the comparable homes to present during your appeal.