FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Is there a drop box at the Township Hall for after hours?
A. Yes, there is a drop box located at the front of the Township Offices.
Q. Can I pay my taxes with a credit/debit card or electronic check?
A. Yes, however a 2.95% fee is charged on the amount you are paying when using a credit or debit card. A flat $2.95 fee is charged for an electronic check(ACH). These fees are from the processing company. The Township Treasurer’s Office DOES NOT charge anything nor do we get ANY money from the fees. To pay your taxes online, click here: Make a payment
Q. When can I expect to receive my summer taxes?
A. Summer taxes should be received in early July. Summer taxes include the state education tax and the general county tax. The time period covered runs from July 1st through June 30th of the next year. After September 14th interest of 1% will be added to your tax bill each month.
Q. When should I expect to receive my winter taxes?
A. Winter taxes should be received in early December. Winter taxes cover township, special county taxes, and local school district taxes. Special assessments are usually placed on the winter taxes also. The time period covered runs from December 1st through November 30th of the next year. After February 14th interest of 3% will be added to your tax bill.
Q. When is the last day I can pay my summer/winter taxes at the township?
A. The last day of February. Any unpaid taxes after that day are turned over to the county as delinquent. This is true for all Lapeer villages, cities, and townships. Starting March 1st any unpaid taxes can only be paid at the Lapeer County Treasurer’s office.
Q. Should I notify anyone if I change who pays my taxes?
A. Yes. You should contact the Treasurer’s office at 810-797-2117. If you decide to pay your own taxes or if your escrow company changes, you need to let us know.
Q. Should I receive anything about my taxes if an escrow company pays?
A. If your taxes are paid by a bank or mortgage company you will also receive a Tax Notice by the Township. It will be noted in bold that it is a copy for your records. Most banks and mortgage companies will request your taxes from the township.
Q. If I don’t receive a tax bill, am I legally obligated to pay?
A. Yes. As unfair as some may think that is, the law clearly states the property owner is responsible even if they didn’t get a bill. If you pay your own taxes, remember the July and December time frames.
Q. Is there any way I could delay paying my summer taxes without paying a penalty?
A. Yes. It is possible to defer summer taxes payment until February 14th if the owner meets age, disability and or income guidelines. Look at the back of your tax bill for more detail about requirements. You must fill out an application in our office no later than September 14th.
Q. How is it possible I wouldn’t receive a tax bill?
A. Every attempt is made to make sure property owner’s receive their bill. Any returned tax bills are researched and hopefully sent out to the right address. Please contact our office if you don’t receive a bill in early July or early December.
Q. Do you accept post marks?
A. Yes, but a word of caution. There have been instances where a person or escrow company thought they sent payment in on time, but the post mark was after the last acceptable date. In those instances, late fees were added. All tax payments must be in the office by the end of February because no payments can be accepted in March even if that postmark indicates late February. We do accept post marks in the September 14th and February 14th deadlines.
Q. Does the Township offer tax and assessment information on the website?
A. Yes, you will be required to create a username and password.
To find tax or assessing information on your property click here: BS&A Software
Q. Should I contact the Treasurer’s office with a name/address change or a homestead affidavit?
A. You should contact the Assessing office with those requests. Each requires a form filled out and returned to the Assessing department.
Q. When are taxes due if the September 14th or December 14th falls on a legal holiday or on a weekend day?
A. You have until the next business day to pay. For example, if summer taxes are due September 14th and that day falls on Saturday or Sunday, you could pay the next Monday without having to pay penalties.
Q. How come my escrow company said they paid on one date, but your office doesn’t show it paid or it was much later than when the escrow company said they paid?
A. Many mortgage/escrow companies use a tax service companies. These companies sometimes hold payments and combine with others before sending to the Treasurer.
Q. Am I responsible to pay interest or penalties if my escrow company doesn’t pay on time?
A. No. They are responsible and should not charge you.
Q. Am I eligible for a tax exemption?
A. Possibly. Poverty and Disable Veterans exemptions are available to those who qualify. Call our office at 810-797-2117 for details and applications.