Implements E-Filing of Personal Property Statements for 2010

Owners of taxable personal property in the state of Michigan are required by state law to annually file a personal property statement with the local assessor. Prior to 2010, the City Assessor’s Office mailed a paper copy of the personal property statement to each owner listed in the City’s personal property database. In recent years, the total number of statements mailed on an annual basis exceeded 5,000. In 2009, the City Assessor’s Office observed that less than 50% of all owners filed their return on the paper statement mailed by the City. This is due to the increase in the prevalence of pre- packaged software being utilized by return preparers. The result is the waste of thousands of sheets of paper coupled with the unproductive use of additional City resources and staff time.

In an effort to reduce the needless waste of paper, while at the same time reducing costs by creating efficiencies, the City has partnered with its property tax software provider, BS&A, to offer a green and modern alternative for filing personal property statements. Below is a summary of changes and reminders that will affect personal property owners and statement preparers beginning with the 2010 tax year.

Major Changes for 2010

Paper statements will not be mailed by the City Assessor’s Office.

Most owners will have 2 options for filing a return: 1) file an electronic statement using the new E-file system, or 2) file a paper statement. Paper statements are available on both the State of Michigan website (www.michigan.gov/treasury) and the City’s website (www.grcity.us/ppstatement). For those owners who do not have access to the internet, paper returns will be made available at the City Assessor’s Office located on the third floor of City Hall at 300 Monroe Avenue, NW.

In place of the paper personal property statement, owners will be mailed a letter on Monday, January 11, 2010. . If an owner is eligible to E-file, the letter will include instructions on how to file using either the E-file system or the paper method. For those owners who are not eligible to E-file, the letter will include instructions on how to obtain a paper statement.

Reminders for 2010

Business owners are required by State law to file a personal property return in each jurisdiction where personal property is located, even if a letter or statement is not received from the local assessor. Failure to file is punishable by law including imprisonment, a fine, or both. Deadlines for filing are February 1 in the City of Grand Rapids or February 20 in most other jurisdictions in the State.

Businesses that filed a return in the City in 2009 and have subsequently experienced a change in business name, ownership, or location should contact the Assessor’s Office at (616)456-3089.

Businesses who own personal property located in a renaissance zone are also required to file a Renaissance Zone Report Form. These forms will be mailed to eligible taxpayers and are also available on the City’s website (www.grcity.us/rzform).

Please contact the City Assessor’s Office at (616)456-3089 with any questions or concerns.

**  Personal Property E-File Login  **

Proposal A

On March 15, 1994, Michigan voters approved the constitutional amendment known as Proposal A. Proposal A was designed to limit the growth in property taxes by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) until ownership in the property was transferred.  For more information on Proposal A please read the full brochure...... 

Understanding Proposal A in a Declining Real Estate Market.

Mathieu-Gast Exemption

Are you planning to do some normal repairs and/or maintenance to your property?  If so, the value added to your property by these repairs may qualify for the Mathieu-Gast exemption from property taxes.  Please click your mouse here to view and download the form and instructions required to exempt normal repairs and maintenance from your property taxes.  Should you have any questions regarding this exemption you may contact our office at (616) 456-3081.