Board of Review
WHEN IS BOARD OF REVIEW?
The next session is in December 2024, and will be announced as that month draws closer. This session will be held to review and correct qualified errors and mutual mistakes of fact, where such errors or mistakes are verified by the assessor. The mistakes can involve the current or preceding tax year. For a complete list of defined qualified errors, click on MCL 211-53b. WHAT IS BOARD OF REVIEW? It is the mechanism whereby the Crystal Lake Township property owner, after talking to the Assessor, goes to officially challenge your property assessment. Specifically, when a property owner want to protest the values (such as State Equalized Value or SEV, Taxable Value) found in the assessment document sent out to owners of record around February 1st of every year. The Board is comprised of trained CLT community citizens and their purpose is to be the check-and-balance on the Assessor's work. More specifically, the BOR sits to hear property valuation appeals and/or correct any errors of record. The Board also hears requests for property tax exemptions (i.e. poverty, veteran status). WHAT IF I WANT TO PROTEST MY ASSESSMENT? If you have a problem with your property assessment, the first step is contact the assessor directly. Often, it is the case that concerned taxpayers just need questions answered-- specifically, the process by which assessment is made-- explained to them. In any case, this first step is highly encouraged and usually successful in resolving issues so that all the time, work and energy of making a formal appeal to the BOR is avoided. So, if you have questions, would you like to correct an error or protest, do you want something explained, don't shy away from contacting Jill Brown at (231) 881-4000 or [email protected]. WHAT IF TALKING WITH THE ASSESSOR DOESN'T RESOLVE ANYTHING? If your questions aren't answered or your concerns are not resolved by first working with the Assessor, attending one of these appeal sessions in the next step. The Board of Review is seated during sessions held in three different months a year. (See which session is right for you towards the beginning of this page.) One need not appear in person at the BOR session but, if you so choose, you are allowed to send in your paperwork or even to send a representative, legal representative or otherwise, along with your signed authorization allowing for that representative in your stead. A petition to the Board of Review form and your supporting documents may be received at the township hall. We recommend you check with us in case the nature of your appeal requires further forms, such as if you are applying for a poverty or veteran's exemption. |
WHAT IF THE BOARD OF REVIEW PANEL DOESN'T SATISFY MY CONCERNS?
If you are not satisfied either talking with the Assessor, or with the BOR's decision, which is decided independent of the Assessor's decision, a last step is an appeal that may then be sent to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. However, please note that any initial appeal (protest) must first be made to the March Board of Review before appealing to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. WHAT FORMS WILL I NEED TO PROTEST?
To access a form with which to petition the Board of Review, click here. Also, see the Assessment page for a full array of links to other forms you may need to appeal your property assessment. Lastly, feel free to check with the township staff to make sure you have all paperwork required. WHO SERVES ON THE BOARD OF REVIEW?
The Board of Review (BOR) consists of three volunteer community members plus alternates. These persons must be township electors and receive specialized training at least every two years. The supervisor, by law, is the secretary to the BOR and does not vote on petitions. Our BOR current members: Ray Vieau Member Elaine Walton, Member Bruce Walton, Chair (no relation, Elaine and Bruce) Amy Ferris, non-member Secretary We are looking for a volunteer for the Board of Review. Training is provided, serious commitment is appreciated, and remuneration is $23.57/hr. |