Property Tax Information

Property taxes are based on the taxable value of a property multiplied by the millage rates set by the various taxing units.

On July 1, the SUMMER TAX BILL becomes a lien on property and is due and payable without interest until September 14.  1% interest per month or fraction of a month is added to the taxes after the due date.  On February 15 a 3% penalty is also added to all unpaid bills.  The summer tax bill collects the tax levies for Forest Hills/Northview/East Grand Rapids Schools (depending where in the township the property is located), Grand Rapids Community College, Kent Intermediate School District, State Education Tax, and Kent County operating tax.

On December 1, the WINTER TAX BILL becomes a lien on the property and is due and payable without penalty until February 14.  A 3% penalty is added to the taxes after the due date.  The winter tax bill collects the tax levies for Forest Hills Schools or Northview Schools (depending where in the township the property is located), Kent County (excluding operating tax), Grand Rapids Township, and Kent District Library.  Where applicable, drain assessments, street light assessments, lake (weed) assessments, delinquent sewer/water usage bills, and delinquent special assessments will be included.

The SUMMER and WINTER bills do not cover specific months, but rather collect different taxes due for the entire calendar year.

The owner of record will always be mailed a tax bill.  The owner receives the statement so that 1) the owner knows how much the taxes are, 2) the owner knows if a mortgage company has requested a copy of the tax bill, 3) the owner may need the information to file income tax returns.

If property taxes are escrowed, the mortgage company must request a copy of the tax bill for each tax season.  If the mortgage company has requested a copy, the mortgage company’s name will appear on the left side of the bill, just below the perforation.  If a copy has not been requested, the word NONE will appear.  If the word NONE appears and taxes are escrowed, the property owner should forward a copy of the tax bill to their mortgage company.