Frequently Asked Questions
There are multiple options available for you to use when paying your property taxes. Some have fees attached, due to bank charges that cannot be absorbed by the Township. Here is a brief description of each payment option.
Free options:
- Cash or check—Pay in person at the Township offices during regular business hours (Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 6:00pm, CLOSED FRIDAYS) or send by mail to the Township, or leave in our secure gray drop box located by the front door of the Township offices building.
Pay options
- Credit Card or Debit Card—Pay with your VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express Card using one of these methods. A 3% convenience fee will be added.
- Use the Township website to pay online anytime. Go to the Township website: www.garfield-twp.com then click the link “pay your taxes here” and follow the instructions.
- At the Township Treasurer’s Office you can pay with your credit card in person during regular Township office hours.
- Electronic withdrawal from checking account—Pay by electronic withdrawal from your checking account:
- online ONLY at Township website: www.garfield-twp.com
Yes. Garfield Township is able to provide our taxpayers with the ability to pay taxes with a credit card or debit card. Cards accepted are VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express. There is a 3% or $2.00 min convenience fee charged for this service. Pay online now by clicking here.
Yes. Click on the green button that says "Click Here for Property Info". You may need to create a user name and password that will identify you as the owner of the property. One parcel # can be assigned free look ups with each user id. If you want to look at more than one parcel #, there is a $2 per parcel look up fee.
If you are in need of financial assistance, there are some things that we can check to see if you might qualify for some help:
- Summer deferment - If you qualify, this option extends the due date for summer taxes from September 14th to February 14th of the next year. Using this option makes both summer and winter taxes due at the same time (Feb.14) with no penalty or interest if paid by that date. Contact the Treasurer's office to see if you qualify.
- Hardship exemption - if your income is below a certain level, you may qualify to have a portion of your taxes exempt. You must contact the assessing office to see if you qualify.
- There may be other types of exemptions available. You must contact the assessing office to determine your eligibility.
2018 Millage Rates
100% Homestead: summer = 18.7991 winter = not currently set
Non-Homestead: summer = 36.7991 winter = not currently set
2017 Millage Rates
100% Homestead: summer = 18.6793 (Winter rate 8.8017)
Non-Homestead: summer = 36.6793 (Winter rate is 8.8017)
2016 Millage Rates
100% Homestead: summer = 18.7665 (winter rate 8.8029)
Non-Homestead: summer = 36.7665 (winter rate 8.8029)
2015 Millage Rates
100% Homestead: summer = 18.7755 (winter rate 8.8747)
Non-Homestead: summer = 36.7755 (winter rate 8.8747)
2014 Millage Rates:
100% Homestead = summer - 18.8155 (winter rate 9.7512)
Non-Homestead = summer - 36.8155 (winter rate 9.7512)
2013 Annual Millage Rates:
100% Homestead = 28.4715 (summer = 18.8205 & winter = 9.6510)
Non-Homestead = 46.4715 (summer = 36.8205 & winter = 9.6510)
2012 Annual Millage Rates:
100% Homestead = 27.4657 (summer = 18.8305 & winter = 8.6352)
Non-Homestead = 45.4657 (summer = 36.8305 & winter = 8.6352)
2011 Annual Millage Rates:
100% Homestead = 27.4633 (summer = 18.8305 & winter = 8.6328)
Non-Homestead = 45.4633 (summer = 36.8305 & winter = 8.6328)
2010 Annual Millage Rates:
100% Homestead = 27.724 mills (summer = 18.7955 & winter = 8.9285)
Non-Homestead = 45.724 mills (summer = 36.7955 & winter = 8.9285)
Taxes are based upon Taxable Value. 1 mill equals $1. per $1,000. of taxable value.
All taxes billed are for the period of January 1 through December 31. The taxes are collected in two portions (summer and winter) to make it easier on the taxpayer. Different taxing authorities collect at different times. For instance, the Traverse City Area Public Schools collect their portion of tax dollars on the summer tax bill, but are not listed on the winter tax bill. The Fire Department collects its portion of tax dollars on the winter tax bill, but are not listed on the summer tax bill.
It is the right of every property owner to appeal the assessed value of your property. There is one time each year during the March Board of Review in which you can make your appeal, either in person or by letter. Click here for helpful info on how to make your appeal.
There are two types of personal property taxes.
- Business personal property taxes are assessed to business owners on the assets they use to operate their business. A business needs to report assets to the Township once a year on the annual Personal Property Statement. These statement forms are mailed to all businesses in the township once a year in December. They must be returned to the assessing office no later than February 20th each year. Personal property taxable value is determined from the statement. If you need help to complete your statement, one of our assessors would be happy to assist you.
Here is a helpful brochure for business owners about personal property taxes. Operating a business in Garfield Township Brochure
- Mobile Home personal property taxes - If you own a mobile home that is located in Garfield Township, you may be assessed personal property taxes on any shed, porches or other outbuildings located near your mobile home.
Here is a helpful flyer for mobile home owners regarding personal property taxes. Personal property taxes for mobile home owners flyer
For the purpose of personal property taxes, "tax day" is December 31st of each year. If your business is operational on this day, then you will be assessed personal property taxes for the whole next year. As a business owner, if you are planning to go out of business, it is best to do so before Dec. 31st.
If your commercial business qualifies and has assets with a true cash value under $80,000, you may possibly qualify for an exemption. You must contact our Assessing Department to determine your eligibility and complete the necessary paperwork.