Property Tax Exemptions

Property tax exemptions are available to qualified individuals and organizations. Below are the most common exemptions and how to apply for them.

Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)

The PRE exempts you from paying approximately 18 mills of school tax.

Requirements:

• You must own and occupy the home as your principal residence.

• Occupy the home by June 1 to receive the exemption for the year (or by November 1 for winter tax bill only).

How to Apply: Submit the PRE Affidavit to the Assessor’s Office. Forms are available online or in person.

Disabled Veterans Exemption

Who’s Eligible?

You must:

• Be a Michigan resident.

• Own and occupy the home (homestead).

• Be 100% disabled due to service, OR:

  • Receiving specially adapted housing assistance, OR

  • Considered individually unemployable by the VA.

• Surviving spouses may qualify if they have not remarried.

Required Documents:

• Completed State Tax Commission Affidavit 5107.

• DD214 form (military discharge).

• A letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs confirming one of the following:

  • 100% disability

  • Specially adapted housing assistance

  • Individual unemployability

• Legal designee? Provide proof of authority to file.

Deadline: File annually between January 1 and December Board of Review. Set a yearly reminder!

Submit: Mail or deliver signed forms and documents to the Assessor’s Office.

Next Steps: We will forward your application to the Board of Review. You’ll be notified of their decision once it’s finalized.

Download Affidavit 5107 – Disabled Veterans Exemption (PDF)

Poverty Exemption

Who’s Eligible?

You may qualify if:

• You own and live in the home as your principal residence.

• You meet the federal poverty guidelines and asset test.

What You’ll Need:

• Valid ID for all household members over 16

• Proof of income for all household members (e.g., SSI, employment, child support, food assistance)

• Federal and state tax returns (current or prior year)

  • Signed affidavit if someone was not required to file taxes

• Bank statements for all accounts

Deadline: File between January 1 and December Board of Review.
We strongly recommend applying in February to be heard at the March Board of Review and avoid receiving a tax bill.

Attendance Required: You must attend one of the Board of Review meetings (March, July, or December). Meetings are typically about 10 minutes.

Notice of Decision: You’ll receive a letter notifying you of approval or denial.

Non-Profit Property Tax Exemption

Who’s Eligible?

Non-profit organizations may qualify if:

• They own and occupy the property by December 31 of the prior year.

• The organization fits one of the categories defined in Michigan law.

Deadline: File no later than the second Monday in March of the year you want the exemption. Applications for past years cannot be accepted.

What You’ll Need:

• Completed and signed application

• Supporting documentation of non-profit status and property use

Submit: Mail or deliver to the Assessor’s Office.

Review Process:

• Applications are reviewed by the City Assessor and City Attorney.

• All exempt properties are reviewed at least once every 5 years. Failure to respond to requests for updated information may lead to loss of exemption.

Download Non-Profit Exemption Application (PDF)

Senior Citizens

The State of Michigan does not offer a direct property tax exemption for seniors. However, you may qualify for the:

Homestead Property Tax Credit

If you:

• File a Michigan tax return (MI-1040), and submit the MI-1040CR (Property Tax Credit Claim) with it.

• Do not file a MI-1040, you can file the MI-1040CR alone.

Note: The City of Holland does not handle this credit.