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1. What is a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit, and why do I have to file it?

Every person in Michigan is allowed to claim a Homestead on their primary residence which reduces the tax rate by 18 mils per thousand on their tax bill. In order to enjoy the lower tax rate you must own and occupy the residence for which you are claiming.

2. What is a Property Transfer Affidavit?

When Proposal "A" passed in 1994, which reduced the school property taxes, the new law requires full disclosure. The law requires a Property Transfer Affidavit be on file, otherwise penalties will be applied by the State.

3. My accountant tells me that I do not qualify for a homestead, should I still file it?

Accountants often confuse the Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit with the "Homestead Property Tax Credit". These are 2 separate filings. The Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit is filed with your city or township and can reduce the school portion of a homeowner's property tax bill; if they qualify. While the "Homestead Property Tax Credit" relates to the filing of your yearly income tax return with the State of Michigan and has nothing to do with your eligibility for reduced property taxes on your home.

4. I no longer have a business in the City of Bloomfield Hills, yet I am still receiving tax bills for the personal property. Why is this?

If you were in business in the City of Bloomfield Hills as of December 31st of the prior year, you will be responsible for both the summer and winter taxes in the year following.

5. When are taxes delinquent?

Taxes are due and payable July 1st through August 31st in the summer without penalty, and December 1st through February 14th in the winter without penalty. All delinquent unpaid taxes are turned over to Oakland County on March 1st each tax year and accrue penalties until paid.

6. What is the Millage rate in Bloomfield Hills?

The Millage rate for the City of Bloomfield Hills can be found under the Treasury Department webpage on the left. Your millage rate will depend on which school district you reside in. Tax Millage Rates page.

7. If I do not receive my tax bill and I miss the due date am I liable for the interest and penalties?

Yes, failure to receive the bill does not eliminate the penalties. As a property owner it is your responsibility to make sure you receive, and pay your taxes in a timely fashion. If you do not receive your tax bill by the third week of July or December, you should call the Treasurer's Office at 248-530-1401 for another copy.

8. Is there any relief in taxation for Senior Citizens?

You may apply for a summer deferment which will allow you to pay without penalty until February 14th of the current tax year. There is a income limitation per household in order to qualify. This form must be filed each tax year by the summer tax due date. The Application for the Deferment of Summer Taxes is available at the Treasurer's Office or on the State of Michigan's website.

9. If the SEV decreases, will I pay more or less in property taxes?

Your property taxes are based on the Taxable Value, rather than the SEV. A reduction in SEV does not decrease your tax bill.

10. Why won’t my taxes decrease if my property value is going down?

Proposal A allowed residents to pay property taxes on less than half of their market value by "capping" the Taxable Value, while still allowing the assessor to determine the market value by adjusting the SEV. This has caused, for many long-time property owners, a great disparity between the SEV figure and the Taxable Value figure. The assessor can reduce the SEV to reflect the change in property value, but if the Taxable Value is still well below the SEV, it will keep increasing until the 2 figures meet. Since property taxes are based on Taxable Value, you end up paying more in taxes.