Property Tax Lawyers in Birmingham

The government of Birmingham, Michigan requires most people who own real property to pay taxes on its value. "Real property" refers to land and buildings, as well as anything else which is permanently attached to a piece of land, including trees, oil, groundwater, minerals, and the like.

Birmingham, Michigan measures property taxes simply by taking a percentage of the property's value. Normally, they are paid on a yearly or monthly basis.

Federal authorities do not collect a property tax. Only state and local governments collect property taxes, as a general matter.

How Property Tax is Calculated in Birmingham, Michigan

Birmingham, Michigan property taxes are normally calculated as a percentage of the value of the taxable property. Rates vary widely across the country, normally ranging from less than 1% at the low end, to about 5% at the high end.

In order to levy this tax, the tax authorities in Birmingham, Michigan must have an uniform formula for figuring out the value of a given piece of property.

In many ways, the value of a piece of land is relative. After all, many people ascribe sentimental value to their homes, which goes well beyond its market value. To ensure that the system is fair, the government uses only objective standards to determine value.

There are many different ways to value property using objective factors. Typically, the appraiser in Birmingham, Michigan will consider the current state of the real estate market, the size of the property, any improvements (buildings, roads, etc.) that have been made on the property, and the manner in which the property may be legally used (zoning).

How A Birmingham, Michigan Property Tax Attorney Can Help.

In Birmingham, Michigan, property taxes can become pretty difficult. Legal disputes can arise in the property tax context, even if there is no wrongdoing, and the dispute arises from an honest misunderstanding. You might have a good reason to suspect that a mistake was made when your property was appraised, resulting in a higher tax bill than you believe you legally owe, for example.

If you encounter a legal issue with your Birmingham, Michigan property taxes, and don't handle it properly, unnecessary inconvenience and expense can result. If you have the assistance of a qualified tax attorney in Birmingham, Michigan, however, the odds of encountering such a problem will be small.