Senate advances Kahns bill to improve property tax appeals process

Friday, March 26, 2010

LANSING — A measure designed to help make the property tax appeals process more smooth for property owners was approved by the Michigan Senate Thursday, said sponsor Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township.

“I have held forums on how to appeal property taxes for the past two years and I’ve heard directly from our people,” Kahn said. “Resident after resident told me they wanted more time to prepare their appeals. My bill gives them two weeks to gather the proper information and make an educated decision about whether or not to appeal.”

Senate Bill 395 will require property tax assessment notices to be sent to property owners at least two weeks before the meeting by the board of review, which is the appeal deadline.

Under current Michigan law, notices of property tax assessment increases must be mailed out just 10 days before a scheduled board of review meeting.

Kahn has sponsored several additional measures to aid property taxpayers, including a bill that would allow residents across the state to appeal by letter rather than in person. The lawmaker also co-sponsored a constitutional amendment that would prevent property taxes from increasing if the home value has fallen.

“I hope my colleagues in the House of Representatives act quickly on my measure – property owners across the state are counting on it becoming law,” Kahn said.

SB 395 is currently before the House Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs Committee.