WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW?
The Assessor turns the assessment roll over to the Board of Review, who can increase or decrease any improper assessment. The Board has no control over millage rates or property taxes.
ARE THE MEETINGS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
Under the Open Meetings Act, anyone can attend the meetings, including members of the press.
WHO MAY FILE AN APPEAL?
An Owner or Authorized Agent may file an appeal regarding the assessment of property within the Northfield Township's Jurisdiction. By law, non-resident property owners can appeal by letter. As of 2015, the Township Board of Trustees adopted a Resolution to allow resident property owners the right to appeal by letter as well. Please call to schedule an appointment if you or your agent would like to appeal in person.
WHAT TYPE OF APPEALS WILL THE BOARD HEAR?
The Board of Review has the authority to act on appeals of:
Classification: This is roughly equivalent to zoning or use. The six classifications are: Agricultural, Commercial, Developmental, Industrial, Residential, and Timber Cutover.
Status: Certain properties, such as Churches, are tax exempt. Sometimes there are unusual situations that create appeals.
Equity: All properties within the jurisdiction are to be assessed at the same ratio; 50% of True Cash Value.
Hardship: Poverty stricken property owners can request tax assistance from the Board of Review. Household financial documentation will be necessary.
Valuation: This is by far the bulk of the appeals. It is important to remember that neither the Assessor or the Board of Review can affect the millages or taxes. They can change an assessment if shown that it exceeds 50% of True Cash Value.
HOW CAN I MAKE AN EFFECTIVE APPEAL OF ASSESSED VALUE?
The taxpayer must give evidence to show that the assessment is incorrect. The Board of Review needs good reasons to alter an assessment. It is imperative to be able to answer the questions "What do you think your property is worth?" and "What are you basing that opinion on?"
All assessments are to be based on the sales of similar properties. You may hire a professional appraiser, or you can look at sales in your neighborhood and compare them to your home. The Assessor's Office will give you sales information. But remember, this is your appeal and the paperwork should be done by someone for you or by you. Per State law, the sale's price of a property can not be the sole determining factor of the assessment of that property. Neither the assessor nor the Board of Review can raise or lower a property's assessment based solely on its sales price.
HOW CAN I REVIEW AND COMPARE SALES?
For example, let's say that in your neighborhood a home is sold for $80,000 and is identical to yours except it has no garage and you have a two car garage. You have determined that your garage is worth $4,000 to $6,000. Another home sold for $96,000. It has the same house and garage as yours, but has an extra lot. Land sales show that the value of this lot is $8,000.
|
Sale 1
|
$80,000
|
+4,000
|
=84,000
|
|
|
|
+6,000
|
+86,000
|
|
Sale 2
|
$96,000
|
-8,000
|
=88,000
|
ARE THE BOARD OF REVIEW DECISIONS PERMANENT?
No. The decisions are binding only for the current assessment year.
HOW WILL I KNOW THE BOARD'S DECISION?
The Board of Review will probably not give the decision at the time of the hearing, but will mail the decision as soon as possible. Along with this notification, will be information about the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
CAN I APPEAL THE BOARD'S DECISION?
A residential assessment reviewed by the Board can be appealed to the Michigan Tax Tribunal; their appeal deadline is July 31st.
SHOULD I APPEAL?
The Board of Review functions in many ways like a court although its procedures are less formal. Like a court, it has the authority to decide on certain issues based on evidence. In deciding whether to appeal your assessment to the Board of Review, you should first answer these two questions:
- Does your protest involve an issue that the Board of Review
has authority to decide.
- Do you have supporting evidence?
HOW SHOULD I PRESENT MY APPEAL?
If you are protesting on the value of your property, you should be prepared to justify why your property would not sell for twice the assessed value.
If you are appealing based on hardship, documentation will be necessary. You should contact your local unit for details.
The better information you bring to the Board, the better they will be able to make a fair determination.
REMEMBER, THE BOARD OF REVIEW IS FOR YOU, AND YOU CAN BE EFFECTIVE
. . . PREPARE A CONCISE APPEAL
. . . USE VALID DOCUMENTATION
. . . STICK TO THE FACTS
. . . BE ORGANIZED AND OBJECTIVE
