Michigan · Property tax exemptions for seniors · Updated Oct 2026
Michigan property tax exemptions for seniors (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for older homeowners in Michigan that our guide lists: extra exemptions, freezes, deferrals and age-based credits. What each is worth, the starting age, the income limit, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for seniors in Michigan is the Summer Property Tax Deferment. Lets you put off paying your summer property tax until February 14 of the next year, with no penalty or interest.
- Worth
- See the rules
- Age
- 62 or older
- Income limit
- Gross household income for the prior calendar year of $40,000 or less.
- Deadline
- September 15
Property tax breaks for seniors in Michigan
SeniorsSummer Property Tax Deferment
Lets you put off paying your summer property tax until February 14 of the next year, with no penalty or interest.
- Who qualifies
- Owners with a principal residence exemption who are 62 or older (or the unmarried surviving spouse of someone 62+), totally and permanently disabled, blind, paraplegic or quadriplegic, an eligible serviceperson, veteran or widow(er), or certain farmers.
- Income limit
- Gross household income for the prior calendar year of $40,000 or less.
- How to apply
- File Form 471, Application for Deferment of Summer Property Taxes, with your city or township treasurer (not with the State).
- Deadline
- By September 15 or the date your summer taxes are due, whichever is later.
- Renewal
- Every year.
- Law
- MCL 211.51
Source: official page
How to apply, step by step
Savings estimate for Michigan
None of these breaks is one fixed dollar amount taken off your home's value, so we can't estimate the savings here. What each one is worth is on its card above.
Eligibility finder for Michigan
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for seniors: you own and live in the home, age 62. Change any answer to your own.
Document checklist for Michigan
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about seniors property tax breaks in Michigan
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for seniors in Michigan?
Summer Property Tax Deferment: Owners with a principal residence exemption who are 62 or older (or the unmarried surviving spouse of someone 62+), totally and permanently disabled, blind, paraplegic or quadriplegic, an eligible serviceperson, veteran or widow(er), or certain farmers.
Is there an income limit for seniors' property tax breaks in Michigan?
Summer Property Tax Deferment: Gross household income for the prior calendar year of $40,000 or less.
When is the deadline for seniors to apply in Michigan?
Summer Property Tax Deferment: By September 15 or the date your summer taxes are due, whichever is later.
Do seniors have to reapply every year in Michigan?
Summer Property Tax Deferment: Every year.
Where do seniors apply for property tax breaks in Michigan?
Your city or township assessor (and its Board of Review) decides homeowner exemptions; you file the forms with your local assessing office, not with the State. The Michigan Department of Treasury and State Tax Commission set the forms and rules, and the Homestead Property Tax Credit is claimed from Treasury on your income tax filing. For the Summer Property Tax Deferment: File Form 471, Application for Deferment of Summer Property Taxes, with your city or township treasurer (not with the State).
SourcesLast checked: Oct 2026.