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Assessing / Treasury - Real Property

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1. When will my property be evaluated?

The taxable status of real and personal property for a tax year shall be determined as of each December 31 of the immediately preceding year, which is considered tax day. An assessing officer is not restricted to any particular period in the preparation of the assessment roll but may survey, examine, or review properties at any time prior to or after the tax day.

2. What factors contribute to the increase in taxable value of my property?

Due to the passage of Proposal A, your taxable value can only increase 5% or the CPS (Consumer Price Index), whichever is lower. The taxable value can also increase when new construction is added. This includes decks, garages, additions, etc. Assessments will change according to the effect of the market conditions. Should you need information regarding assessments, field sheets, or tax matters, please contact the City Office.

3. Why do assessed values change from year to year?

When market value changes, naturally so does assessed value. For instance, if you were to increase the total market value of a parcel of property by building a garage, the assessed value would increase proportionately. Similarly, should a property value be decreased because of a fire or other catastrophe, the assessed value would decrease to show the downward effect of the damage on the market value of the property. The economy of the entire community affects assessed value.

4. When are property taxes mailed and when are they due?

Property Tax Bills are mailed twice each year: July 1 and December 1. Summer Taxes are payable from July 1 through August 31st without interest. Winter Taxes are payable from December 1 through February 14th without penalty. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, your payment will be due the following business day. If you do not receive your tax bill, please call the Treasurer's Department at 248-530-1401 and a screen print of your taxes will be mailed to you. To avoid late penalties, please allow sufficient time (7 to 10 days) for mailing, as postmarks are not accepted.

5. How can my Taxable Value go up when my Assessed Value stays the same or even goes down?

Assessments are a function of property value and property taxes are calculated on your taxable value. In 1994 Proposal A required property taxes be calculated based on the Taxable Value, not the Assessed Value. By law, Taxable Values are annually increased or decreased each year by the CPI (Consumer Price Index) or 5% whichever is lower; unless there are physical changes to the property or a transfer of ownership occurred.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, property values greatly exceeded the annual CPI. This has created a gap between the Assessed and Taxable Values. Property taxes will continue to rise until the taxable value is equal to the Assessed Value. Therefore, it is possible for your assessment to go down, yet a Taxable Value will increase until the assessment and taxable value are equal. Proposal A does not permit the taxable value to ever be higher than the assessed value.

6. What is the deadline for filing a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit?

The filing deadline is June 1 of the year the exemption is being claimed.

7. I moved to a different home before the June 1st filing deadline. May I claim my new home?

Yes. If you buy a new home and move into it on or before the June 1st filing deadline, you may claim an exemption on the new home. New residences may be claimed by filing a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit (Form 2368) that is typically available at closing. If your agent does not provide you with this form, you can pick one up at city hall.

8. I moved into my Bloomfield Hills home after June 1st, but by November 1st. Do I qualify for a Principal Residence Exemption?

PA 114 of 2012 allows those who initially own and occupy their home from June 2 through November 1 to claim a principal residence exemption for the winter taxes only for that year, as long as their Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit form is timely filed. Note: If the school operating taxes for your school district are levied on the summer tax bill only, this exemption will not benefit you until the following year.

9. Can I, as closing agent, be held liable to a buyer or seller if the buyer is not granted a homestead exemption? (See full question in the answer)

Can I, as the closing agent, be held liable to a buyer or seller if the buyer is not granted a homestead exemption because I did not provide either an update or an affidavit form, or I did not submit their form on time?

Closing agents are required to provide either an affidavit or update form at closing. However, PA 415 of 1994 does not provide a legal course of action against the closing agent, by the buyer or seller, if the agent fails to provide a homestead exemption form or fails to file the form with the local tax collecting unit.

10. What determines principal residence?

The test the Michigan Department of Treasury uses to determine principal residence includes such things as where you are registered to vote, the address on your driver's license, where your children attend school, and the address from which you file your income tax returns.

11. How is the amount of my tax determined?

Tax amounts are calculated by multiplying the Taxable Value of a parcel by the millage rate divided by 1,000.

12. Where do I pay Delinquent Tax Payments?

As of March 1, all delinquent property taxes are payable only to the
Oakland County Treasurer
1200 N Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341

For payments made in the month of March, a revised statement must be obtained from the City of Bloomfield Hills Treasurer's Department and submitted with your payment to the County Treasurer's Office. To contact the Oakland County Treasurer's Office call 248-858-0611.

13. How can I make a payment after hours?

The City has two drop boxes conveniently located in front of City Hall. Payments may be made using either of the two drop boxes at the City Hall Administration Building parking lot at 45 E Long Lake Road. Payments must be received in the dropbox before the start of the next business day to be included in the business transactions for the prior day.

14. What is the millage rate in Bloomfield Hills?

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

15. How do I get a stamped receipt if I use the drop box?

Enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope with your payment, and you will be mailed a screen print receipt. If you have sold your property and received a tax statement in error, please forward the statement to the new owner or return it to the Treasurer's Department with correction(s) of name and/or address.

16. What is the IRS School Code for my School District?

The IRS School Codes are as follows:

• Birmingham: 63010
• Bloomfield: 63080

17. Where does my tax money go?

When you receive your Tax bill, it will have an itemized listing of how the collection is distributed. It is distributed to the related taxing authorities inclusive of, but not limited to, the City, the Local School Districts, and Oakland County.

18. 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. Late summer and winter bills accrue interest at the rate of ¾ of 1% per month. This rate of interest was established as a part of the City Charter and cannot be waived by City Employees. Payments made after February 14th are also subject to a 3% penalty. Please call the Treasurer's office for the correct payoff amount.

19. 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 an 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.

20. How do I update my name and address?

Please provide information to the treasurer's office in writing. There is also a notice of change form on the back of your tax bill. If a Mortgage Company will be paying, that Mortgage Company must submit a written request to the Treasurer's office.

21. How can I pay my tax bill?

You can pay your tax bill via in-person, online, mail, and telephone.

For online payments follow the instructions provided:

1. Visit the Pay Current Taxes webpage
2. Enter your Parcel I.D. Number beginning with the Number 19 or your property address.
3. Enter your code number
4. Enter tax type (Summer or Winter)

All information can be found on face of tax bill.

Please note you will be charged an Enhanced Access Fee based upon your amount of tax.

For E-checks, you will be charged a flat $2.50 fee.

For telephone payments call 888-600-3773 or 248-858-0025 and follow further instructions.