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City Treasurer’s Department The Treasurer’s Department is responsible for the billing, collection and deposits of monies due to the City (including property taxes, water & sewer bills, invoices and monies collected by other City departments) and the management and investments of idle funds. Along with the City property taxes, this office is also responsible for the billing and collection of various school district taxes and distribution of these taxes to the appropriate school district. This department also prepares and maintains the City’s financial records according to State Law and the City Charter and assists in the preparation and maintenance of the annual budget.
Your annual property taxes are determined by multiplying the number of mills assessed, times each $1,000 increment of the assessment on your home (homes are assessed at one-half of their market value). Tax levy is based on the taxable value, not assessed value of your property. Taxes are billed twice each year on July 1st and on December 1st. Summer 2007 Taxes are due on or before August 10, 2007. After this date, a 4% penalty is assessed. No Summer Taxes will be accepted after October 31, 2007, in order to finalize the Summer Tax Cycle and to prepare for the Winter Taxes. July 1st will be the larger of the tax bills as it includes the taxes for the City of Buchanan, Buchanan School District, Lake Michigan College, Berrien County Intermediate School District, State Education and Dial-a-Ride, and a portion of the County tax. December 1st tax billing will include Berrien County (County General, 911 System, Law Enforcement, Senior Center), Buchanan District Library and SMCAS taxes. Winter 2007 Taxes will be due on or before February 14, 2008. After
this date a 3% penalty is assessed through February 28, 2008. After
February 28th, all taxes are to be paid to: The City cannot collect delinquent taxes nor can we answer any delinquent tax questions. All delinquent tax inquiries will be forwarded to the County Treasurer’s Department. Qualifications for Deferral of Summer Taxes Homeowners can delay paying summer taxes until February 15, if the total household income is $35,000 or less (as shown on the Michigan Homestead Property tax return, line 30) as long as the taxpayer can be classified as one of the following:
Summer 2007 Tax Rate
Winter 2006 Tax Rate
Treasurer’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Where do I pay my taxes? Taxes may be paid by mail, by drop box or in person at City Hall.Where is the City’s payment drop box? The City’s payment drop box is located between the two entrance drives to the City Hall parking lot. Can I put cash in the drop box? No, we recommend that you only pay bills with a check or money order and remember to place your payment coupon and check in an envelope. What are City Hall hours? City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and we do not close for lunch. Where do I pay my parking ticket? The actual parking ticket can be used as a mailing envelope. Simply enclose a check into the envelope and affix a stamp, seal the envelope and drop in the mail. Of course, you can also pay your ticket at City Hall, Police Department or use our payment drop box. I have a question about my parking ticket, who can answer my questions? You can call the Police Department at 695-5120 to answer all your parking ticket questions. Since I no longer have a business in the City, why am I still receiving tax bills for the personal property? If you were in business in the City as of December 31st of the prior year, you are responsible for both the summer and winter taxes in the year following. When are taxes delinquent? All taxes are delinquent on March 1st of any given year. Meaning, the 2007 summer and winter taxes go delinquent March 1st of 2008. On this date the City no longer can accept payments or answer tax questions. All inquiries will be directed to the Berrien County Treasurer, 695-3887 extension 8569. How many tax bills do I get a year? The City mails taxes twice a year, July 1st for the summer cycle and December 1st for the winter cycle. If I do not receive my tax bill and I don’t pay my taxes on time, do I still have to pay penalty & interest charges? Yes, failure to receive the tax billings does not eliminate the penalties. As a property owner it is your responsibility to make sure you receive your taxes. If you have not received a tax notice by the second week in July and December, please contact City Hall for a copy. Where do I get my dog License? City Hall collects dog licenses as a service to the Berrien County Animal Control. We sell the licenses from December 1st to February 28th each year.
The current cost of licensing your dog is: Spayed/Neutered $5.00 each Entire Dog (not spayed or neutered) $15.00 each Do I need a garage or yard sale permit? Yes, permits are required for garage and yard sales. Two (2) garage/yard sale permits will be issued per person or same location in any given year. Permits are issued at City Hall, and they cost $2.00 each. However, if a person participates in the Annual City Wide Garage Sale Event held every June, this does not count toward your two-permit limit. All Rights Reserved Designed by Fencl Web Design.com Web Design Back to Top admin |
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FARMERS' MARKET OPENING DAY Saturday May 3rd 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 2006 WATER QUALITY REPORT NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT PROGRAM "A CHILD IS MISSING BLUEPRINT FOR BUCHANAN DOWNTOWN IS NOW AVAILABLE Happy Spring! |
