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1. When can I appeal my assessment?

By law, the only time you may appeal you assessment is at the March Board of Review meeting, which is held the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday following the second Monday in March.  After you receive the Change of  Assessment notice you may contact the City Assessor’s Department at  269-329-4433 to schedule an appointment; or send a letter of appeal, including the Michigan Department of Treasury Form L-4035 - Petition to Board of Review (PDF), which is available at the Office of the City Assessor. Send to:
7900 S Westnedge Avenue
Portage, MI 49002

2. What are the grounds for an appeal?

An assessment appeal is not a complaint about higher taxes. It is an attempt to prove that your property’s estimated market value is either inaccurate or unfair.

You may appeal when you can prove at least one of three things:

1. Items that affect value are incorrect on your property record. For instance, you have one bath, not two; you have a carport, not a garage; your home is 1,600 square feet, not 2,000 square feet.
2. The estimated market value is too high. You have evidence that similar properties have sold for less than the estimated market value of your property.
3. The estimated market value of your property is accurate but inequitable because it is higher than the estimated value of similar properties.

3. What happens if I’m not happy with the decision of the March Board of Review?

State law provides the next level of appeal at the Michigan Tax Tribunal.  A letter of appeal on residential property must be sent to the Tribunal:
PO Box 30232
Lansing, MI 48909

The deadline for commercial appeals is May 31st and the deadline for residential appeals is July 31st.

4. Why can’t I protest my taxes when I get my tax bill in July?

State law provides for one time per year to protest the value of your property.  That protest may be made at the March Board of Review only.