The City Assessor ensures the accurate and timely appraisal and assessment of real and personal property as required and permitted by the general property tax laws and constitution of the State of Michigan, the City Charter and Code of Ordinances.
The City Assessor is appointed by the City Manager. The City Assessor establishes property valuations, prepares, certifies and maintains assessment rolls and special assessment rolls.
Contact
The City Assessor is a part-time employee with office hours of 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm each Wednesday. He is not necessarily in the office each day; he may be working in the field measuring and appraising property.
Residents and business owners are encouraged to call (616) 696-1330 x 102 – or email him assessor@cityofcedarsprings.org to set up an appointment to ensure his availability to meet and address any questions or concerns.
Assessing, Utility Billing and Tax Information
Search the City of Cedar Springs Database to view assessment, structural, and tax information for a selected address or parcel.
Property Tax Estimator Tool
Are you considering purchasing a home in Cedar Springs and would like to estimate your property taxes? The State of Michigan’s Property Tax Estimator is a great tool to use.
Property Transfer Affidavit
Are you in the process of selling your home? If so, make sure you file a Property Transfer Affidavit with the City Assessor within 45 days of the sale.
Personal Property Tax Forms
All businesses are required to submit a Personal Property Tax Statement to the assessor annually. Personal Property Tax Statements are mailed to business owners each December or you may click on the link above to download a form from the State of Michigan. Failure to submit a Personal Property Tax Statement may result in the assessor estimating the value of your furniture, fixtures, computers, etc.
Hardship
Property owners wishing to file a hardship application should download both the application and the qualifications and review them thoroughly prior to contacting the Assessor for assistance. Applicants should understand that hardship guidelines require the submission of a number of substantiating documents in order to be considered for relief.
Exemptions
The following exemptions are available to the City of Cedar Springs property owners that qualify. See specific form or policy for more information:
PROPERTY EXEMPTIONS
POVERTY EXEMPTION:
See the policy. Requires application and additional supporting documents. The Application approval process with the Board of Review in March, July or December for the current year. If granted, the exemption remains in effect for one year. The applicant may apply annually for the exemption.
DISABLED VETERAN EXEMPTION:
See Michigan Department of Treasury website, for information and requirements for the exemption and Form 5107 – STC Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption. You must annually submit an Affidavit, a copy of your annual VA determination letter, a copy of your driver’s license and anything else required by the Board of Review. Application is processed with the Board of Review in March, July or December for the current year only. If the property transfers ownership mid-year, removal of the exemption is required and taxes will be prorated based upon closing statements.
REAL / PERSONAL PROPERTY EXEMPTION:
See Resolution and Guidelines for property exemptions. Requires application and additional supporting documents to be submitted with Assessor and approved by the Board of Review. Some requests may require the City Attorney review. If granted the exemption will be applied in the year of qualification and remain in effect until the use changes. Reviewed annually for ownership and every five years for status confirmation.
SMALL BUSINESS PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION:
Requires completed Form L-5076. Applicant must meet requirements of the form and it must be filed with the Assessor annually by February 20 (postmark). If granted, the exemption remains in effect for one year.
EXEMPTION FROM SOME TAXATION
PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE:
See form 2368 for qualifications. Applicant must complete the form and submit to the Assessor, (typically along with providing proof of residency) by June 1 or November 1 in the year of request. The exemption remains in effect until a rescission (2602) is filed or the exemption is denied (by the local Assessor, County or State) due to change in status.
CONDITIONAL PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE:
See form 4640. Applicant must complete the form and submit to the Assessor prior to June 1 or November 1 in the year of request. Available for three years with repeat application by December 31 each year. The exemption expires December 31 if follow up application not received.
ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: See form 4660. Applicant must complete the form and submit to the Assessor, along with proof of residency by May 1 in the year of request. The exemption remains in effect until a rescission (2602) is filed or the exemption is denied (by the local Assessor, County or State) due to change in status.
ELIGIBLE DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY: See form 5033. Applicant must meet requirements and complete form and submit to Assessor by June 1 or November 1. Applicant must file rescission within 90 days of change of status.
QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY: See form 2599. Applicant must complete the form and submit to the Assessor, along with proof of status by May 1 in the year of request. The exemption remains in effect until a rescission (2602) is filed or the exemption is denied (by the local Assessor, County or State) due to change in status.
EMPP: See Michigan Department of Treasury website for information and qualifications. Applicant must meet the requirements of the form and form 5278. must be filed with the Assessor annually by February 20 (postmark).
INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES TAX: See application for Industrial Facilities Tax Certification. The process is facilitated with the Planning and Zoning Administrator/Manager and requires approval from the City Council.
