Tax Information
Summer Taxes
Summer taxes are sent out by July 1st, and are payable July 1st through September 14th without interest. Beginning September 15th through February 28th, a 1% interest charge will be added per month to the unpaid balance. March 1st all unpaid tax will be turned over to the Van Buren County Treasurer. The Township due date will always be clearly indicated on your tax bill.
Partial Payments
Almena Township will accept partial payments of taxes during the tax collection time for both summer and winter tax.
Deferment of Summer Taxes
The law provides that beginning September 15th, a 1% interest per month be paid. However, these taxes may be deferred without penalty until February 28th for any Homestead taxpayer who is 62 years of age or older, persons totally and permanently disabled, eligible veteran, or service person, also, property that is classified or used as agricultural may be eligible. Applications and further information for this deferment are available at the Treasurer's office or online at the Michigan Treasury link below. This application must be returned to the Township office by September 14th.
Winter Taxes
The winter tax bill is sent by December 1st and is payable December 1st through February 28th without any penalty or interest. Beginning March 1st all real estate property tax must be paid to the Van Buren County Treasurer's office. Penalty and interest per month is applied to the delinquent tax when paid at the county. Please contact the Van Buren County Treasurer at 269-657-8228 or 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079, for more information or payoff amounts on delinquent taxes. The Township due date will always be clearly indicated on your tax bill.
Payments
Checks are accepted only as conditional payment of taxes. If your check is not honored by the bank, the tax is considered unpaid and will be restored to the tax roll without further notice. A NSF charge will be applied for the check returned from the bank. If paying by mail and you wish to receive a receipt, you must include a self addressed, stamped envelope along with your payment. If you have an escrow account and your mortgage company has requested a bill for your property tax, we will forward your tax amount to them. We will also send you a copy of the bill for your records. It is your responsibility to make sure that your mortgage company pays your bill before it is considered delinquent. Check that information online using the link at the top of this page.
Principal Residence Exemption
November 1st of each year is the date you must legally own and occupy your home in order to be eligible for the Homeowners Principal Residence Exemption. The millage rate for qualifying property is approximately 18 mills less than non-qualifying properties. New homeowners must apply, this exemption is not automatic.
Poverty Exemption
On March 10th, 2009, the Township Board adopted a Resolution Establishing Poverty Exemption Guidelines. For a complete list of guidelines and application, please contact the Township Supervisor or Township Treasurer. Applications are processed at the regularly scheduled Board of Review meetings.
Change of Address
Van Buren County has developed an online system for updating mailing addresses. The County will process the change request and send a verification to the taxpayer. The County will then notify our assessor so we can process the change as well.
Should you still wish to use a paper form, you can find a downloadable version of the form here. Or you may come into the township office and have one printed for you.