HB 5377 would allow property owners without children attending Michigan public schools to qualify for a property tax exemption on certain school millages under the Revised School Code. It directly affects homeowners who do not have children enrolled in public schools within the state. The bill amends specific sections of the school code (380.1211, 380.1212, and 380.1364) to establish this new exemption category. This change modifies existing tax eligibility rules but does not alter current tax rates or funding formulas.
SB 581 updates definitions in Michigan's downtown development law to clarify how tax increment financing (TIF) programs operate. It specifically revises the definition of "downtown district" to allow multiple geographic areas within a business district under certain conditions (like inter-municipal agreements), defines "captured assessed value" for TIF calculations, and limits "catalyst development projects" to one per authority (requiring $300 million+ investment in cities over 600,000 population). These changes directly affect municipalities operating downtown development authorities that use TIF to fund redevelopment. The bill focuses on precise terminology to ensure consistent application of existing TIF rules, without creating new funding mechanisms.
House Bill 4444 amends Michigan's general property tax act to modify property tax exemptions for homesteads owned by disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill outlines the application process for these exemptions and specifies that those granted on or after January 1, 2025, will remain in effect without requiring reapplication. It also introduces methods for prorating the exemption if the property is not used as a homestead for the entire tax year. Additionally, the bill clarifies that properties exempt under this section will be subject to a specific disabled veteran's homestead tax, which will also be prorated accordingly.
HB 4682 modifies Michigan's property tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans. It expands eligibility to include surviving spouses who qualify for dependency and indemnity compensation (under 38 USC 1310-1318) because their veteran spouse died from a service-connected disability. The exemption applies to homestead property owned by these surviving spouses, reducing their property tax burden. This change directly affects surviving spouses of veterans who meet specific U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility criteria.
HB 4801 would exempt property used as a principal residence by licensed in-home childcare providers (family or group child care homes) from Michigan property taxes starting in 2026. To qualify, owners must file an application with their local tax office, proving the property is their primary home and hosts licensed childcare under Michigan law. The exemption applies only to properties where a household member operates a childcare business meeting specific licensing requirements. This change directly affects homeowners running licensed childcare services in their homes, reducing their property tax burden after 2025.
HB 5225 modifies Michigan's property tax deferment program for summer property taxes, primarily affecting eligible homeowners aged 62+ or with specific disabilities (like blindness or veterans' status) and agricultural property owners. It updates income thresholds for deferment eligibility - current limits cap household income at $60,000 (adjusted annually for inflation after 2026) - and requires agricultural owners to meet gross receipts criteria. The bill mandates local treasurers to publish deferment notices, provide form assistance, and include deferred tax amounts in December tax statements, with payments due by February 15 without penalties. It also clarifies that agricultural deferment eligibility requires prior qualification before forming business entities like LLCs.
SB 196 modifies Michigan's property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. It expands the existing homestead exemption to include surviving spouses of disabled veterans who were eligible before death, as long as they don't remarry. The bill requires applicants to submit a form to their local assessor by December 31 each year (with specific VA documentation proving disability status) and clarifies that exemptions apply to all property taxes for the year, with proration rules if the property isn't used as a homestead all year. This directly affects disabled veterans (defined as those with 100% VA disability rating, specially adapted housing assistance, or individual unemployability) and their surviving spouses owning qualifying homestead property.
HB 4741 modifies Michigan's property tax law by ending certain programs that reduced delinquent tax payments or prevented foreclosure. It adds a $175 fee for properties forfeited to county treasurers due to unpaid taxes (after 12+ months delinquent), changes interest calculations for residential properties under foreclosure avoidance agreements, and updates redemption rules. Homeowners with delinquent taxes, particularly those in residential properties covered by existing tax foreclosure avoidance agreements, will be directly affected by these changes. The bill sunsets specific programs that previously offered payment reductions, requiring property owners to pay full delinquent amounts plus fees to avoid losing their homes.
HB 4014 exempts certain family transfers of residential property from a rule that normally resets property taxes to current market value after a sale or transfer. It specifically applies when property is transferred to close family members (such as parents, children, or siblings) through trusts, wills, or inheritances, provided the property isn't used commercially afterward. To qualify, beneficiaries must provide proof of their relationship within 30 days, or face a $200 fine. The bill modifies Michigan’s property tax law to prevent "taxable value" adjustments that would otherwise increase annual property tax bills significantly for these transfers.
HB 4080 reinstates a program deferring property tax special assessments for eligible Michigan homestead owners. It applies to assessments due before October 1, 2020, or on/before October 1, 2022, for primary residences owned by qualifying individuals (including those who are totally and permanently disabled). The bill allows owners to defer payments until death, sale, or transfer of the property, with up to four annual partial payments (minimum $500 or 5% of the balance) and interest accruing on unpaid amounts. Full payment becomes due upon sale, transfer, or death, and the bill requires the state to notify owners of these terms. This amendment to Michigan’s 1976 property tax law (MCL 211.761-762) is contingent on HB 4079 passing.
