Homeowner's Principal Residence Exemption

Principal Resident Exemption Forms

What Your Property Exemption Status Means for You

Every property in the State is designated as either a principal residence or non-principal residence.  This designation determines how much you owe in school property taxes.

• Properties designated as "Principal Residence" are owner occupied.
• Properties not eligible for the "Principal Residence Exemption" include: vacation cottages, second homes or rental properties.

Designate Your Property Exemption Status

To claim a home as your principal residence, you must:

• Own and occupy the home on or before May 1st prior to the next City & School tax billing
• Complete and file the Principal Residence Exemption Form
• Rescind all other principal residence exemptions claimed in your name

Exemption Denials

If you receive notification from the Michigan Department of Treasury regarding your property status, be sure to follow their instructions for following up on the information.

Never ignore a tax-related notice you receive and don't understand - call the Treasurer's office at 248-658-3310 and we will be happy to help you!  Ignoring these notices can result in higher property taxes and higher mortgage payments (if taxes are paid through a mortgage company).

Estimate Your Taxes

Your taxes are calculated by multiplying the tax rate by each thousand of taxable value.  Following is an example of taxes due for a home with a taxable value of $50,000 based on the 2006 total tax rate for a home in the Berkley School District.

Or check out State of Michigan Department of Treasury web site and use their easy tax estimator program.