Appointments for property owners planning to appeal tax assessments in the City of Northville can now be scheduled with the board of review.
The appeals will be heard on March 9 and 10 by Zoom. Property owners can also send a letter seeking appeal to the address listed on the assessment notice before 4 p.m. March 10.
Assessor Mitchell Elrod presented the assessment roll to the members of the board of review during an organizational meeting last Tuesday although no appeals were heard at that time.
Officials advised residents to review the assessment notice carefully to determine any appeal. The notice states the "assessed value" and the tentative "state equalized value" (SEV) for both this year and the prior year. Those values should not exceed 50 percent of market value. It also states the "taxable value" (TV) for the prior and present year and whether the property was transferred. Taxable value is the lesser of SEV and the previous year's TV, adjusted for inflation, additions and losses. The TV is uncapped and reset at SEV when a property transfers in the prior calendar year. The inflation rate multiplier for 2021 for the State of Michigan is set at 1.4 percent.
Those who plan on appearing before the board of review should be prepared to provide evidence showing why the property isn't assessed at its true value, such as reports of recent prices of home sales. Residents may also need to provide proof of ownership of a particular building or parcel if not listed as the owner on the assessment roll. The board of review must consider each case individually. Written appeals from resident taxpayers will be given equal weight and status with personal appearances at the Zoom meeting.
Annually, the city assessor reviews records, including recent property sales (April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2020), detailed reports on lands and buildings, and builder permits, along with personal visits when needed, to determine the size, components and condition of such properties.
Those with questions about the assessed value of a home, land or business property, can contact Elrod by phone at (248) 305-2704, fax: (248) 305-2892 or email. Elrod is usually available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Meetings of the board of review are taking place using Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anyone needing assistance or accommodations should contact the city manager's office at (248) 449-9905.
