Michigan Property Tax Relief: Exemptions & How to File
Michigan has 5 main property tax relief programs, administered through your City/Township Assessor. Filing is free.
Biggest benefit
100% exemption of homestead property taxes
Earliest common deadline
April 15
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Never pay to file a property tax exemption
Applying for a homestead, senior, veteran, or disability exemption is always free through your City/Township Assessor. You do not need a middleman, and no one can file it "faster" for a fee.
Be skeptical of official-looking letters offering to file your homestead exemption, "designate" your homestead, or send you a copy of your deed for $50–$200. These are private solicitations, not government notices. When in doubt, contact your City/Township Assessor directly using the phone number on your tax bill.
Michigan property tax relief programs
Amounts, eligibility, deadlines, and the official source for each program.
| Program | Benefit | Who qualifies | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)Homestead | Exemption from up to 18 mills of local school district operating tax | Must own and occupy the property as a principal residence; owner cannot claim a substantially similar exemption on another property in Michigan or elsewhere. | June 1Late filing: up to 3 years back | Official source ↗MCL 211.7cc & MCL 211.7ddForm 2368, Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit ↗ |
| Homestead Property Tax CreditTax CreditVerify locally | Refundable income tax credit; maximum $1,800 (2024 tax year) | Income: Total household resources of $69,700 or less (2024 tax year); credit phases out above $60,700 · Must own or rent and occupy a Michigan homestead as a principal residence; must be a Michigan resident for at least six months of the tax year. | April 15Late filing: up to 4 years back | Official source ↗MCL 206.520 & MCL 206.522Form MI-1040CR, Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim ↗ |
| Disabled Veterans ExemptionVeteran | 100% exemption of homestead property taxes | Michigan resident veteran who is either (a) rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as permanently and totally disabled from military service at the 100% rate, (b) holds a VA certificate for pecuniary assistance for specially adapted housing, or (c) is rated by the VA as individually unemployable. · Property must be used and owned as the veteran's homestead in Michigan; unremarried surviving spouse may continue the exemption on homestead property, including property acquired after the veteran's death. | Deadline varies — confirm locally | Official source ↗MCL 211.7bForm 5107, State Tax Commission Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption ↗ |
| Poverty Exemption (Hardship)Homestead | Full or partial exemption (100%, 75%, 50%, or 25% reduction in taxable value) | Income: Must meet the federal poverty guidelines published in the prior calendar year (or a stricter locally adopted income standard); local asset limits may also apply. · Must own and occupy the property as a principal residence. | Deadline varies — confirm locally | Official source ↗MCL 211.7uForm 5737, Application for MCL 211.7u Poverty Exemption (Application and Affirmation) ↗ |
| Deferment of Summer Property TaxesTax Deferral | Deferral of summer property tax collection until February 15 (no penalty or interest) | Age 62+ · Alternatively qualifies as a totally and permanently disabled person, blind person, paraplegic, quadriplegic, hemiplegic, eligible serviceperson, eligible veteran, or eligible widow or widower. · Income: Total household income of $40,000 or less for the prior calendar year · Property must be the applicant's principal residence (homestead) in Michigan. | September 15 | Official source ↗MCL 211.51Form 471, Application for Deferment of Summer Taxes ↗ |
Missed a deadline? You may still be able to file — and get money back.
Several programs here accept late applications for prior years. If approved, your City/Township Assessorcan reduce a bill you haven't paid or refund taxes you already paid on the exempted amount.
- ↻Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): late applications accepted up to 3 years back — For taxes levied after December 31, 2011, a fully completed Form 2368 must be received by June 1 to affect the summer tax levy, or by November 1 to affect the winter tax levy. A conditional rescission (Form 4640) can extend the exemption on a previous residence for up to three years.
- ↻Homestead Property Tax Credit: late applications accepted up to 4 years back — Filed with the annual Michigan income tax return (MI-1040). A homestead property tax credit claim may be filed for up to 4 years after the original due date (e.g., 2024 claims through April 2029).
For veterans
In most states a higher VA disability rating unlocks a larger — often total — property tax exemption.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
VA Claims Academy
A 100% VA disability rating unlocks full property tax exemptions in most states. VA Claims Academy helps veterans pursue the rating increases they may be owed.
Visit VA Claims Academy →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
For seniors
Planning ahead protects your exemption and your home.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
CareSifter — Find trusted senior care
Property tax relief is one piece of aging in place affordably. CareSifter helps families compare in-home care, assisted living, and senior services.
Explore CareSifter →*Trust & Will — Estate planning made simple
Keeping a homestead exemption in the family often depends on how the home is titled. Trust & Will makes wills, trusts, and transfer-on-death deeds affordable and online.
Start with Trust & Will →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
Michigan property tax relief FAQ
What property tax exemptions are available in Michigan?
Michigan offers 5 main property tax relief programs: Principal Residence Exemption (PRE), Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veterans Exemption, Poverty Exemption (Hardship), Deferment of Summer Property Taxes. Each is administered through your City/Township Assessor.
How do I apply for a property tax exemption in Michigan?
You apply through your City/Township Assessor — for free. Most exemptions require a one-time application by the deadline; check each program for its form and cutoff date. You never need to pay a third party to file.
I missed the Michigan exemption deadline — can I still file?
Possibly. Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) accepts late applications up to 3 years back; Homestead Property Tax Credit accepts late applications up to 4 years back. If approved, you may receive a reduced bill or a refund of taxes paid on the exempted value.
Is filing for a Michigan property tax exemption free?
Yes. Filing is always free through your City/Township Assessor. Letters offering to file your homestead exemption for a fee are private solicitations, not government notices.
Compare Michigan to other states by relief type
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