What we used to know as the "Homestead Exemption" has a new name -- the "Principal Residence Exemption".  Michigan Law provides this tax exemption from a portion of your property taxes for a homeowner’s principal residence.  Basically, that means a tax break.  There are some rules that go with the tax break, of course, but here are the basics:

For a person to claim the exemption, they have to be the homeowner. They also have to use that home as their principal or primary residence. That sounds pretty simple, right?  It really is.

A "homeowner"  is the property owner. Renters cannot claim a homestead exemption, nor can someone leasing with an option to buy. There are special rules for co-owners and seniors who share ownership with their children as well as seniors who have a "life estate". Please call the Township Offices if these special circumstances apply to you.

By "principal residence"  the law means the place where you always plan to return when you are away.  A basic test used in determining eligibility is first, that you must be a Michigan resident.  Other tests include verification of (1) where you are registered to vote, (2)  the address on your driver’s license, (3) where your kids attend school, and (4) the address from which you file your Michigan income tax returns. Under some conditions, you can still qualify if you are away from that residence for a while, such as on a job assignment far away, if you are in a care home, or in the military.  Rules apply to all of these exceptions, so if any of these (or other) unusual conditions apply to you, please call the Assessor for clarification.

Regarding deadlines….   a property owner must file for the "Principal Residence Exemption" by May 1.  In order to qualify, of course, you must own and occupy the residence.  Once your exemption is established, you do not have to file again unless your circumstances change.  If you have any questions, please contact the Township Assessor.

Get a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit (or a Rescission form) at the Township offices.  You can also download the forms directly from the State of Michigan site.  Just click here!  or cut and paste the following address into your browser to go to the State of Michigan property tax forms page: 

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/2368f_2605_7.pdf

Once there, click on "Principal Residence Exemption and Related Forms", and then click on 2368 for the Principal Residence Exemption form.  If you want a form to rescind/withdraw a Homestead Exemption, click on 2602.  Instructions for these forms are on the State site, too.

Turn in new Principal Residence Affidavits for Pere Marquette Township properties to the Township offices by mail or in person.  Send rescission forms to the City or Township where the former homestead property is located.