Commerce Township Treasurer's Department

Molly B. Phillips, Commerce Township Treasurer | Phone: 248-960-7040 | Email: mphillips@nullcommercetwp.com
 
When are property tax payments due?
Tax bills are mailed to the last known address on July 1st and December 1st of each year. Summer tax payments are due between July 1 and September 14. After September 14, 1% interest is added to the unpaid balance. Winter taxes are due between December 1 and February 14. After February 14, a 3% penalty is added to the unpaid balance.
What should I do if I do not receive a tax bill?
Every attempt is made to make certain the property owner’s receive their bill. The tax law clearly states the property owner is responsible for the timely payment of the taxes even if they have not received a tax bill. Failure to receive your tax bill does not exempt you from being assessed late charges. If you do not receive a tax bill, please contact the Treasurer’s Office immediately at (248) 960-7040.
Why have I received a tax bill when my mortgage company pays my tax bill?
As a courtesy, an Information Copy is sent to you for your records. Please check the copy that you have received. If it states “Information Copy” on the lower right hand side, then the original bill has been sent to the mortgage company whose name appears on the top left-hand side of your tax bill. If your mortgage company does not receive your tax bill, please notify them to contact the Treasurer’s Office.
Should I notify anyone if I have changed mortgage companies?
Yes. If you have an escrow from which your tax bill is being paid, you should contact the Treasurer’s Office to make certain they have received the information.
Can I use a credit card to pay my taxes?

You may charge your taxes at the Treasurer’s Office, by phone, or the Internet (CLICK HERE). Please note: a 3% convenience fee will be charged to the taxpayer for credit card payments. See the Payment Locations page for more information.

What is the difference between “homestead” and “non-homestead” tax rates?
If you own and occupy your home as your principal residence, it should qualify as Homestead and it may be exempt from a portion of your local school operating taxes. Non-principal residences (for example, rental property) and businesses are considered Non-Homestead and are liable for school operating taxes. You are only allowed to have homestead on one property.
What is the supplemental school tax that appears on my tax bill?
The supplemental tax is only levied on homestead properties. When the “Proposal A” tax law became effective in 1993, the State of Michigan arrived at an average amount of money that was being allocated per student for schooling. The local Walled Lake School district residents had already voted an extra millage amount per pupil to be used in that district. The supplemental tax is that amount. The non-homestead taxpayers don’t pay this because it comes out of their operating millage.
My taxes are too high. How can I find out if my property is being fairly taxed?
Your taxes are based on the taxable value of your property. You should first contact the Commerce Twp. Assessing Dept. for an explanation of how your taxable value was computed. Check your assessor’s field sheet for errors. Check out sales on comparable properties in your area. Discuss all of these things with the Assessor’s Office.
Do you accept postmarks?
No. We do not accept postmarks for any of the tax payment deadlines. If you are concerned about your payment getting to us in time you can pay in person at the Treasurer’s department during normal business hours, place payment in our 24 hour drop box at the Township Hall (next to the EAST ENTRANCE) or payment can be made on line.
Am I responsible to pay penalties and interest if my mortgage company pays my taxes late?
No. The mortgage company should not take the penalty or interest from your escrow.
WHAT IS A MILLAGE RATE?
1 mill = $1.00 per each
$1,000.00 dollars of taxable value.
Each local government agency has the ability to levy millage to create funds for operating. The different levels of government are:

Village

Township

County

Intermediate Schools

Local School Districts

VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE – HOME RULE (CHARTER)- May levy up to 4 mills for operating purposes. This millage is used to operate the Village Offices, Parks and Recreation, Commissions, DPW, etc. The Village of Wolverine collects their own taxes (Village millage only).

TOWNSHIP-The Charter Township of Commerce may levy up to 5 mills for operating purposes. See millage rates for current operating millage levied.

We also have voted millage for Fire, Library and Law Enforcement. The voted millage may be for a specific time span and then the millage either retires, or a new election is required for the millage to continue. Sometimes the ballot language is granting millage only to be levied to cover a specific dollar amount. For instance, our township passed a ballot question giving us permission to levy millage for an additional four (4) police officers and one (1) additional detective. Each year we calculate how much money is needed to cover current salaries for these positions and then compute the millage based on current taxable value.

OAKLAND COUNTY-In August of 1974, Oakland County citizens voted to create the first unified form of county government in the history of Michigan. Less than 60 such governments exist across the nation. The county millage was originally established at a maximum of 5.26 mills and since the Headlee Amendment became effective, this has been rolled back each year to compensate for inflation. See millage rates for current millage levied.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS-Since 1963 the State constitution changed the county office into a multidimensional agency designed to provide services to local districts in a cost efficient manner, especially services that are too specialized or too costly to offer in each local school district. One of these county agencies is the intermediate school district. The two major contributions are vocational and special education. There are four special/vocational schools located in Oakland County. Currently the ISD also provides data processing services to 25 of the 28 local school districts in the county. The ISD also provides technical assistance in meeting state and federal requirements in developing curriculum and locations for these special school programs. See millage rates for current millage levied.

OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE: This is a 2-year junior college where students may go locally to get their Associates Degree and then go on to a four year college. There are 3 campuses. See millage rates for current millage levied.

Where do I file my Homestead Affidavits and Property Transfer Affidavits?
File your homestead and property transfer forms with our Assessor’s office. The property transfer affidavit must be filed within 45 days of closing on the purchase your property. If this is not done, there is a fine which accrues at the rate of $5.00 per day beginning the 46th day after closing and continues to accrue up to a maximum of $200.00.
Where do I make name and address changes?
The Assessor’s office does the name changes but the Treasurer’s office also does them, and provides assessing with the information. The Assessor’s office also provides the change information to Treasurer’s office so that we may send any due taxes or specials out to the new owners, or new addresses. We make every effort to find correct names and addresses on any returned tax and special assessment bills.