HOMESTEAD OR PRINCIPLE RESIDENCE EXEMPTION

It is the owner’s responsibility to notify the township assessor of the homestead
status or the moving out of Hayes Township. The deadline for the changes for each year is MAY 1. A resident may only have one homestead or principle resident in the
State of Michigan. Seasonal homes do not qualify for exemption!

Residents may contact Mary Sanders by mail: 7200 Hayes Tower Rd, Gaylord 49735,
by phone: 732 4206, by email: msanders@freeway.net.

The proper forms must be returned prior to May 1. The original forms are mailed to Lansing after being processed at the township level.

A principle residence exemption exempts the owner from paying the 18 mills of the school operating taxes. Currently, homeowners pay about 21 mills and non-owners pay about 39 mills.

Audits are conducted with the state and within some counties. When a homestead
status has been determined to be in error, back taxes and penalties will be assessed
to the owner.

Contact Mary with any questions and clarifications.

PROPERTY TRANSFER AFFIDAVITS

When property is purchased in Hayes Township, a property transfer affidavit must be filed with the township assessor within 45 days of purchase. This is to verify the
correct information for all transfers of property. See the above section to notify
Mary Sanders by mail, phone, email.