How to apply for Michigan Summer Property Tax Deferment
Local city, village, or township treasurer (statewide deferment under MCL 211.51, form prescribed by the Michigan Department of Treasury)
Who it's for
Michigan homeowners who are 62 or older, or who are totally and permanently disabled, blind, paraplegic, hemiplegic, or quadriplegic, can put off paying their summer property taxes on the home they live in until the following February. Eligible veterans, servicepersons, and their widows or widowers can use it too, as can an unremarried surviving spouse of someone who was 62 or older. Total household income for the prior year must be $40,000 or less. The deferred taxes must be paid by February 14, and no penalty or interest is added. File Form 471 with your city, village, or township treasurer by September 15, or by the date your summer taxes are due if that is later. Do not file it with the state Treasury.
This is a delay, not a discount: the summer taxes are still owed and must be paid by February 14 to avoid penalty and interest. It applies only where your city, village, or township collects a summer property tax. The veteran, serviceperson, and widow or widower paths use the definitions in Michigan's homestead property tax credit law, so the local treasurer confirms them. Farmers can also defer summer taxes on agricultural property under a separate gross-receipts test. The local treasurer may ask for papers to back up the claim.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Form 471, Application for Deferment of Summer Taxes, filed with your city, village, or township treasurer
- Your summer tax bill or property identification number
- Proof of age, disability, blindness, or veteran status, if the local treasurer asks for it
- Proof of last year's total household income, if the local treasurer asks for it
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
Renewals
annual — file a new Form 471 each summer
Related programs
Other help that people in the same situation often look at.
- Tax ReliefMichigan Homestead Property Tax CreditMichigan Department of Treasury
- Tax ReliefFederal Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled (IRS Schedule R)Internal Revenue Service
- Energy AssistanceMichigan Home Heating CreditMichigan Department of Treasury
- Utility AssistanceSenior Citizen Winter Shutoff Protection (Michigan)Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) — rules apply to your gas or electric utility
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.