City of Southfield residents and businesses will receive reduced summer 2008 city and school tax bills in the mail beginning July 1.
The reduction is the result of a reduced Southfield Public Schools millage rate from 19.6 mills to 14.2 mills. Homeowners with a taxable value of $100,000 will see a $568.82 decline on their tax bills, depending upon other factors including the assessed value. Likewise, homeowners with a taxable value of $150,000 will realize a reduction of $853.23. The taxable value of a home is approximately half of the home's market value.
“This is great news for our residents and business owners,” commented Southfield City Treasurer Irv Lowenberg. “The people’s voices have been heard. Southfield residents will be getting the much needed tax relief they deserve. The city of Southfield collects the taxes that are distributed between the City, Schools and the County; however, only 16.15 mills or .33 of every tax dollar goes to the City. In fact, City taxes are actually five percent below the millage levied by the City 20 years ago. I commend the Southfield Public Schools for bringing their millage rate down. It is vital that the City, the Schools and the County work together to keep our taxes low and our services high.”
The summer 2008 city and school tax bills will be mailed beginning July 1 and payment is due by August 31. Payments may be made online at www.paylocaltaxes.com, in person, by mail or at local Comerica Banks. Residents may also use the 24-hour drop box located in front of City Hall. Payment after August 31 will result in a 3.5 percent penalty. Property tax deferment is available for senior citizens and disabled residents that meet certain guidelines. Residents 62 and older as well as disabled persons, veterans and widows with annual incomes below $40,000 may be eligible for a deferment until February 14, 2009. Applicants must fill out a form and show proof of age and income at the City Treasurer’s office prior to September 15, 2008.
Call Southfield City Treasurer Irv Lowenberg’s office at (248) 796-5210 for more information.