Michigan Property Tax Appeal:
How to Fight Your Over-Assessment
In Michigan, 53% of appeals succeed with an average savings of $1,050/year. Yet fewer than 5% of homeowners ever file. Here’s how to do it — and how Tax Ghost generates your formal appeal letter for $24.99.
Michigan Property Tax Appeal — Key Facts
How to Appeal in Michigan
Check your assessment notice
Your county assessor mails assessment notices — usually in spring. The notice shows your assessed value and the appeal deadline. In most states you have 30–90 days from the notice date.
Gather comparable sales
Find 3–5 similar properties in your neighborhood that sold recently at prices below your assessed value. Use Zillow, Redfin, or your county recorder's public records. The more recent and similar the sales, the stronger your case.
File your formal appeal
In Michigan, you file with the March Board of Review, then Michigan Tax Tribunal. First, appeal at the March Board of Review in your township. If dissatisfied, file with the Michigan Tax Tribunal by May 31 (residential) or July 31 (commercial). File before May 31 (for Michigan Tax Tribunal) / March Board of Review.
Present your evidence at the hearing
Show up with your comparables. Be calm and factual. You don't need a lawyer. Appeals boards are accustomed to homeowners representing themselves. Simply demonstrating that comparable properties sold for less than your assessment is often enough to win a reduction.
Expert tip for Michigan
Michigan assesses at 50% of "True Cash Value" (State Equalized Value). Challenge both the True Cash Value AND the capped value (Taxable Value).
Get your Michigan appeal letter — $24.99
Formal appeal letter citing Mich. Comp. Laws § 211.30, addressed to the March Board of Review, then Michigan Tax Tribunal. Evidence checklist and filing instructions included. PDF delivered in 60 seconds.
Free scan → pay only if you want the letter
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I appeal my property tax assessment in Michigan?
In Michigan, you file an appeal with the March Board of Review, then Michigan Tax Tribunal. The deadline is May 31 (for Michigan Tax Tribunal) / March Board of Review. You can file yourself — no attorney required. First, appeal at the March Board of Review in your township. If dissatisfied, file with the Michigan Tax Tribunal by May 31 (residential) or July 31 (commercial).
What is the property tax appeal success rate in Michigan?
Approximately 53% of property tax appeals in Michigan result in a reduced assessment. The average annual tax savings for successful appeals is around $1,050.
What evidence do I need to win a property tax appeal in Michigan?
The strongest evidence is 3–5 recent comparable sales in your neighborhood with sale prices below your assessed value. An independent appraisal is also very effective. You can find comparables on Zillow, Redfin, or your county recorder's public records.
What law governs property tax assessments in Michigan?
Property tax assessments in Michigan are governed by Mich. Comp. Laws § 211.30. Under this law, property must be assessed at fair market value — defined as what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an arm's-length transaction.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal my property taxes in Michigan?
No. The vast majority of successful Michigan property tax appeals are filed by homeowners without attorneys. You simply need to file your appeal before the deadline and present evidence (comparable sales) showing your property's market value is lower than the assessed value.