Senate panel approves Kahns measure to make appeal process easier for property owners
Thursday, March 11, 2010
LANSING — Legislation designed to help make the property tax appeals process more fair and smooth for property owners was approved Thursday by the Senate Finance Committee, said sponsor Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township.
“The past two years I have held a series of property tax forums,” Kahn said. “The message from residents was loud and clear – they did not appreciate having so little time to weigh making an appeal. In fact, few people in attendance had even received their assessments! My legislation will allow them time to consider appealing and to gather the proper information.”
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.
“The concerns people had at the forums show just how necessary these measures are,” Kahn said. “I hope this and other measures are signed into law so our people can exercise their right to appeal their property taxes.”
SB 395 now goes to the full Senate for further consideration.
Print friendly version
Email this page
Share this page via social bookmarking
