FAQs • Chesterfield Township, MI • CivicEngage

Why are my neighbor's taxes less than mine when we have the exact same house?: Sometime it may appear that you have the same house, but on closer observation they may have a larger home, garage, deck, shed, lot etc., or your house may be newer by a few years. All of the aforementioned would affect the appraised value of your house and reflect a difference in your taxes. Also, if you purchased your home in the prior year, your taxable value would have been uncapped and you will be paying taxes on your S.E.V.

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Assessing

1. What is the difference between S.E.V. and taxable value?: S.E.V. stands for State Equalized Value, which is 50% of Market Value. Taxable Value is the value that you pay your taxes on (this came about when Proposal A was voted in by the taxpayers in 1993). Beginning in 1994 your S.E.V. was capped and could only increase yearly by the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less. If anything new is added to the property, 50% of the appraised value of this new item is added to your taxable value. Also if you just purchased your home, in the following year your taxable value will be uncapped, and your taxes will be based on S.E.V. In subsequent years you will be increasing by the taxable value rule.

2. Why are my neighbor's taxes less than mine when we have the exact same house?: Sometime it may appear that you have the same house, but on closer observation they may have a larger home, garage, deck, shed, lot etc., or your house may be newer by a few years. All of the aforementioned would affect the appraised value of your house and reflect a difference in your taxes. Also, if you purchased your home in the prior year, your taxable value would have been uncapped and you will be paying taxes on your S.E.V.

3. I am not satisfied with the value placed on my home, I feel there has been a mistake made. What can I do?: If you believe a mistake has been made in the appraisal of your property, the first thing to do would be to come into the office and inquire in the Assessing Department to have your appraisal explained. If are not satisfied with their explanation, and feel you are over assessed, you can appeal to the March Board of Review.

4. How much will my taxes go up if I build a garage?: Your taxes will go by the yearly millage rate multiplied by 50% of the appraised value of your new garage.

Example: Garage appraised at $15,000 times 0.50=$7,500 ($7,500 x current millage rate) 7,500 x 0.0327822 = $245.86

5. Should I call the office if I see an appraiser taking a picture of my house?: If it is a Township appraiser he is only doing his job. In the past we had black and white photographs, today we are trying to update our records with digital colored photograph which can be accessed from our computers.