Treasurer's Office


We have been getting many calls with people asking why their 2023 Winter Tax bill has significantly increased.  This is due to two main reasons:

  • Statewide Property Tax Increase:  With the large rise in the state inflation rate, people will notice an increase in their tax bills statewide.  Property Taxes are based upon the property's Taxable Value.  Each year the Assessing Department must calculate the Taxable Value for every property using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).  The CPI for 2023 has been calculated at 7.90%.  Proposal A limits how big of an increase can be added to Taxable Value, so the maximum increase of 5.00% was used to calculate property values for 2023.  Property Owners will see this reflected in their 2023 summer and winter tax bills.

  • New Millages: Two millage proposals were approved by the voters this past year which began on the 2023 winter tax bill.
    • Land Preservation Millage:  Proposal to permanently preserve farmland and adjoining natural areas by funding the voluntary purchase of development rights for existing farms in the Township and enable the Township to take advantage of matching funds from numerous sources by increasing the authorized millage for ad valorem taxes for the Township of Northfield by 0.6 mills ($6 per $1,000 of taxable value) for the 5 fiscal years 2023 through 2027, inclusive.

    • Police Department Millage:  Proposal to replace and increase the current police millage from 4.5 mills to 5.425 mills for 5 yrs. beginning in December of 2023, adjusted annually due to the Headlee Amendment. The increase will be used to reinstate full staffing levels in the Police Department which was reduced in 2008 due to the impact of the housing crisis on tax revenues. This entails hiring 3 new full-time officers to eliminate “one man staffing” and allows for a full-time School Resource Officer. 
Please note, the information listed above is not an all inclusive list as to why your particular bill may have increased.  More information can be found using the tabs to the left of this page and by visiting our Assessor's Office page.



WELCOME TO THE TREASURER'S OFFICE

The Township Treasurer is an elected member of the Northfield Township Board.  The Treasurer attends the Township Board Meetings and has a vote on all proposals that come before the Board.  The Treasurer is required to appoint a Deputy Treasurer.

The statutory duties of the Treasurer include collecting the real and personal property taxes, sewer bill payments, building permit fees, and all other miscellaneous revenue due to the Township. The Treasurer is responsible for the disbursement of funds and the investing of surplus funds in approved investment vehicles. It is the duty of the Treasurer to protect the monetary assets of the taxpayers of Northfield Township.

Our staff is here to help residents understand taxes and the billing process. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

Click on the link for information regarding STEP FORWARD MICHIGAN  for financial help with mortgages, property taxes, or condominium association dues.
 
 
GENERAL PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION:
Summer taxes are mailed by July 1st and are due by September 14th of every year.  Winter taxes are mailed by December 1st and are due by February 14th of the following year.  After the due date of each season's taxes, 1% interest fees begin to accrue monthly.  On February 15th, a 3% penalty fee is added.  If any of the above dates fall on a weekend or holiday, taxes are sent or due the next business day.  

Payments can be made by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.  All payment types can be accepted at our office Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm (closed daily from 1:00-1:30pm for lunch).  Checks can also be deposited in our 24 hour drop box in the vestibule of the Township Offices at 8350 Main St.  Credit/debit cards can be processed at the Township offices, online, or by phone.  A processing fee applies for all credit/debit card transactions - 2.8% for tax payments.  A processing fee applies for all e-check payments - $0.85 fee for e-check payments up to $10,000, $10.00 fee for e-check payments over $10,000.  Any payments mailed to the office must be received by the due date.  The Township does not accept post marks as the payment date.  

Click here for the link to 'Online Payments'.  For phone payments, please call 1-833-733-6290.  

After February 28th/29th, all unpaid taxes are sent to Washtenaw County as delinquent.  At that point, taxes are due and payable to the County only, and cannot be accepted at the Township offices.  The County will mail statements with their fees included.  Payment address: Washtenaw County, 200 N. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48107.  Questions? Please call 734-222-6600.


DEFERMENTS:
Deferring payment on taxes to a later date is available to some homeowners.  You must certify that you meet all the criteria to qualify for a deferment.  The form must be completed, signed, and returned to our office before the tax due date for each season.  Don't forget to list the tax year at the top of the form.  Click here for the Deferment Form.



Township Treasurer, Jacqueline Otto: ottoj@northfieldmi.gov
734-449-2880 ext. 142

Deputy Treasurer, Stacie MacDonald: macdonalds@northfieldmi.gov
734-449-2880 ext. 114
 

If you wish to make a mailing address and/or name change on a tax billing, you must complete the Township's Address Change Form and return it to the Township Office,
8350 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI 48189.  
All name changes on tax billings are completed by the Assessing Department and require a copy of the deed for processing.