Treasurer's Office FAQ

Content
  1. Why are my taxes higher than my neighbor's?
  2. Where can I mail my property-tax payment? 
  3. How do I find my parcel number for Personal Property or Real Estate? 
  4. Where can I pay property taxes in person? 
  5. What are the payment deadlines and late payment penalties? 
  6. Do I need a tax bill to make my payment? 
  7. I disagree with my taxable value amount, what can I do?
  8. Why haven't I received my tax bill?
  9. Are partial payments of my tax bill accepted?
  10. Can an extension be granted for more time to pay taxes? 
  11. How do I change my mailing address or the name on my bill? 
  12. My taxes are overpaid. How do I obtain a refund? 
  13. Can senior and disabled property owners receive a property-tax deferment? 
Q&A Item

Why are my taxes higher than my neighbor's?

Most often, a comparison to your neighbor's property with regard to physical characteristics, such as components of construction class and quality, size, amenities, age and condition will account for differences in the value between the properties.

Where can I mail my property-tax payment? 

To make a payment by mail, make check payable to: City of Southfield, detach remittance stub and mail to: 

City of Southfield Treasurer’s Office
26000 Evergreen Rd.
Southfield, MI 48076

How do I find my parcel number for Personal Property or Real Estate? 

Your tax or parcel number is located on your Tax Bill or Assessor's Valuation Change Notice. You can also access it by calling the Assessing Department at (248) 796-5230 . You may also go to the City of Southfield website to look up your parcel and follow the instructions to find it.

Where can I pay property taxes in person? 

Payments by check, cash, or money order, may be made in person between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at: 

City of Southfield Treasurer’s Office
26000 Evergreen Rd.
Southfield, MI 48076

What are the payment deadlines and late payment penalties? 

The summer tax bills are payable at the City of Southfield Treasurer’s Office from July 1st through August 31st without penalty. On September 1st, three and ½ per cent (3.5%) penalty will be added for late payments and ½ of 1% per month additional through February. After February 28th, property taxes will be payable only to the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. Pontiac, MI 48341 with four percent (4%) collection fee and one percent (1%) interest per month until paid.

The winter tax bills are payable at the City of Southfield Treasurer’s Office from December 1st through February 14th without penalty. On February 15th, three percent (3%) will be added for late payment. After February 28th, property taxes will be payable only to the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. Pontiac, MI 48341.

Do I need a tax bill to make my payment? 

If you know the correct amount to pay, it is not necessary to have a tax bill accompany your payment. Make the check payable to: Irv M. Lowenberg, Treasurer, and mail to: 

City of Southfield Treasurer’s Office
26000 Evergreen Rd.
Southfield, MI 48076

Please write your tax parcel number and phone number on the check and make sure it is postmarked by the due date. Metered postmark will not be accepted

I disagree with my taxable value amount, what can I do?

Contact the Assessing Department  at (248) 796-5230. 

Why haven't I received my tax bill?

If a mortgage company pays your taxes, the payment information is forwarded to the company per its request. If a mortgage company does not pay your taxes and you have not received a bill by July 1, a copy may be obtained by calling the Treasurer’s Office at (248) 796-5200.  It is also advisable to confirm your mailing address in the event you find it necessary to request a bill. 

Are partial payments of my tax bill accepted?

Yes, and penalties and interest will apply.

Can an extension be granted for more time to pay taxes? 

All cities are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. Extensions cannot be granted due to hardship or any other extenuating circumstance. However, the Assessing Department may be able to help you at (248) 796-5230. 

How do I change my mailing address or the name on my bill? 

An address change can be accomplished in person at the above listed address or by mailing a request to:

City of Southfield Assessing Office
26000 Evergreen Rd.
Southfield, MI 48076

Or faxing a written request for residential only to:  (248) 796-5255. The request should include your tax parcel number, your previous name and address (if known), and your new mailing name and address.  Please sign and date your request.  We do not need copies of deeds or other legal documents since you are only changing the property tax mailing information which does not affect ownership.  Non-residential changes must contact the Assessing Department at:  (248) 796-5230. 
 

My taxes are overpaid. How do I obtain a refund? 

My taxes are overpaid. How do I obtain a refund? 
A written request (please include the property tax parcel number) may be sent in lieu of the overpayment notice by fax to (248) 796-5215 or regular mail to:

City of Southfield Treasurer’s Office
26000 Evergreen Rd.
Southfield, MI 48076

Since we require a signature, email refund requests cannot be accepted. 

Can senior and disabled property owners receive a property-tax deferment? 

If your annual income does not exceed $40,000 and you own and reside in your home, including mobile homes, you may be entitled to a property tax deferment. You must be at least 62 years of age or, if under 62 years, retired because of a disability and unable to work. Property taxes may be deferred under certain conditions. A Tax Deferment form is available under our forms section. DEFERMENT APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED FROM JULY 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15TH.  For details, call the Treasurer’s Office at (248) 796-5200.