FAQs • Waterford, MI • CivicEngage

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Treasurer's Office

1. When are property tax payments due?: Summer property tax payments are due on July 1 and are payable without interest or penalty through September 14. Winter tax payments are due December 1 and are payable without interest or penalty through February 14. If September 14 or February 14 falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due on the next business day.

2. What should I do if I do not receive a tax bill?: Tax bills are mailed out twice a year, July 1 and December 1. Failure to receive your tax bill does not exempt taxes from penalties. If you do not receive a tax bill, contact the Treasurer's Office immediately at 248-674-6220.

3. How do I change the name on my tax bill?: Contact the Assessing Department at 248-674-6270 to change or correct a name/address on the tax bill.

4. Should my mortgage company receive the tax bill?: Yes, if your taxes are escrowed, your mortgage company should receive the tax bill. Please note, an original tax bill will be sent to either the mortgage company or to the name and address on the tax roll records.

5. How much are my taxes/what were the taxes last year?: A history of taxes billed can be viewed online. Payment status of a tax may be accessed by calling the Oakland County Tax Hotline at 888-600-3773. You will need your ten-digit parcel ID number. This service is being provided at no expense to Waterford taxpayers.

Delinquent Tax information can be accessed by calling Oakland County Treasurer's Office at 248-858-0611.

6. Where can I find my 10-digit parcel ID number?: Parcel numbers can be found on your tax bill, assessment notice, and Warranty Deed. In addition, parcel numbers can be found on the Township Website.

7. Can I make an online payment for taxes?: Yes, the township has partnered with Chase Bank to offer taxpayers the ability to make electronic payments through your checking or savings accounts. A convenience fee will be charged to the taxpayer.

8. Can I pay my taxes by credit card?: You can make an online payment using your Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit/debit card. A convenience fee of 2.49% of payment amount will be charged to the taxpayer.

For your convenience, credit and debit cards are now accepted for payment at the Treasurer's Office. There is a credit card convenience fee of 2.50% of payment amount, (minimum charge $3.95). PIN-based debit card transactions have a $3.95 convenience fee.

Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted for tax payments at the Treasurer's Office counter. MasterCard and Discover are accepted for all other payments at the Treasurer's Office counter.

9. Can I pay my taxes online through my bank?: Yes, you may pay your property taxes through your bank. For more information, visit the Payment Options page.

10. My taxes are too high. How can I reduce the taxes?: The first thing you should do is talk to the Assessor about the valuation on your property. You can also check the appraisal records at Township Hall to make sure all components of the property are correct. If you wish to proceed at this point, you must make an appointment with the March Board of Review to lodge an appeal. For further information, contact the Assessing Department at 248-674-6270.

11. What is the difference between principal residence and non-principal residence?: If you own and occupy your home as your residence, it should qualify as principal residence and it may be exempt from a portion of your local school operating taxes. Non-residence and business are considered non-principal residence and are liable for school operating taxes.

12. My tax bill states non-principal residence incorrectly. How do I fix it to be a principal residence?: A Principal Residence affidavit must be filed with the Assessing Department. Contact your assessor at 248-674-6270 for more information.

13. How are my taxes calculated?: A mill equals 1/1,000 of a dollar. To determine what your property tax will be for the year, multiply your total tax millage rate by your taxable value. Divide the amount by 1,000 for tax dollar amount. For more information, visit the Tax Rates page.

14. What is a Homestead Property Tax Credit?: The State of Michigan can help you pay some of your property taxes if you are a qualified Michigan homeowner or renter and meet the requirements through the Homestead Property Tax Credit. You should complete the Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim form (MI-1040CR) to see if you qualify for the credit.

15. How do I file for the Homestead Property Tax Credit?: Homestead Property Tax Credits are filed with the State of Michigan. You should complete the Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim form (MI-1040CR) to see if you qualify for the credit.