Property tax + homestead exemption in Michigan
Michigan at a glance
Michigan is home to about 707,414 foreign-born residents (7.0% of the state’s 10,051,595 people) and 576,808 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (5.7%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2023 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Michigan regardless of immigration status unless noted.
Effective rate in Michigan
1.54% of property value annually.
This means: a $300,000 home pays approximately $4,620/year in property taxes (state-level only — counties and municipalities add).
Homestead Exemption in Michigan
Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): exempts from 18 mills of school operating tax.
How to apply
- Buy the home: closing completed with title + ITIN or SSN
- Notify county assessor: change of ownership triggers new valuation
- Apply for Homestead: county form, generally must file before March (varies)
- Verify eligibility: primary residence, not second home
- Receive discount: applied on your next tax bill
Additional exemption categories (most states)
- Senior: 65+ with income limits
- Disabled: medical documents
- Veteran: any US veteran or disability coverage
- Surviving spouse: widows of veterans/police/firefighters
Tax payment
If you have a mortgage
Lender usually collects property tax + insurance in your monthly payment through escrow account. Each month:
- Mortgage principal: $XXX
- Property tax escrow: $XX
- Insurance escrow: $XX
- Total monthly: $XXXX
Lender pays tax + insurance directly from escrow.
If you DON’T have a mortgage
You pay directly to county:
- By mail
- Online (county site)
- In person at County Treasurer office
Deadlines
Not paying = costs:
- 1-30 days late: 1-5% surcharge
- 30+ days: penalty + interest
- 1+ year: possible foreclosure for tax delinquency (loss of property)
For ITIN immigrants
- Buying property with ITIN: YES allowed, several lenders
- Register for property tax: use ITIN
- Apply for homestead: same form as any owner
- Pay taxes: in your name, account in your name
- Benefits: same legal protection as any owner
Related information
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- State income tax obligations — homeowner deductions interact with state income tax
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — ITIN holders can claim mortgage interest deduction
- ITIN mortgages — home loans without SSN — qualifying for a mortgage under ITIN
- Form an LLC for real-estate ownership — many landlords hold properties in an LLC
- Find an immigration attorney — for residency-status issues affecting homestead eligibility
Frequently asked questions
Do I need SSN to pay property tax in Michigan?
What is homestead exemption in Michigan?
When is property tax due?
How does property tax affect my ITIN mortgage?
The rules change. Hear about it first.
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.