Tax relief and valuation review
A homestead exemption, senior-relief program, or valuation protest can change the amount a homeowner owes—but only if the filing reaches the right local office in the correct window. Use the verified county guidance below as your working checklist, then confirm the current form and deadline with Benzie County Equalization Department and County Treasurer.
Relief programs
The filing guidance for this county is: For the 2026 tax year, file Michigan Form 2368 Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit with the local assessor by June 1, 2026 for the summer levy or November 1, 2026 for the winter levy; local unit instructions control. Use the official form or application channel, provide the residence and ownership documentation requested, and keep a copy of the submission.
Open homestead applicationMichigan property-tax deferment may be available to a qualifying principal-residence owner age 62 or older (or eligible disabled/veteran/blind/surviving-spouse claimant) with prior-year gross household income of $40,000 or less; apply to the local city/township treasurer/assessor under Michigan Form 471 before the applicable deadline. Qualified owners/renters may also claim the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit subject to annual household-resource and taxable-value limits. No county-specific senior exemption was verified.
Michigan Proposal A generally caps taxable-value growth at the lower of inflation or 5% until a transfer of ownership uncaps taxable value. For 2026 the State Tax Commission multiplier is 1.027: 2026 capped value = (2025 taxable value − losses) × 1.027 + additions. The cap does not limit SEV/market-value appraisal and additions, losses, new construction, omitted property, and ownership transfers can change the calculation.
Appealing an assessment
Use the valuation notice and the county’s published protest guidance to determine the last day to file. Do not assume the payment deadline controls the appeal.
Gather comparable sales, photographs, repair records, appraisal evidence, property characteristics, and any documentation that explains why the assessed value is incorrect.
Submit through the official channel, save the confirmation, and attend the board or review hearing if one is scheduled. An appraiser or attorney can help evaluate evidence when the value or stakes are substantial.
The verified protest guidance for this county is: Appeal first to the local city/township/village Board of Review during the March 2026 meeting period; the local assessment notice and unit schedule control. Michigan Tax Tribunal deadlines for 2026 generally are June 1 for commercial/industrial/developmental/utility-personal classifications and July 31 for residential/agricultural/timber-cutover/agricultural-personal classifications. If the language is not a specific calendar date, contact the office promptly for the current notice and board-review schedule.