Estimator FAQs

Why doesn’t the Total 2023 Taxes amount on the LVT estimator match my current tax bill?

The estimate provided is for the sum of your summer and winter taxes and does not include any other fees (such as solid waste fee or penalties). So it won’t match your summer tax bill, but instead the sum of your summer and winter tax bills. Additionally, the estimate is based on the assessment data as of June 30th, 2023, including the taxable value and any abatements or exemptions you may have had at that time. Your tax bill may vary if there have been any adjustments or changes since then, such as change in ownership or approval of a HOPE exemption.

 My home has a NEZ tax abatement. Why does the LVT estimator show that my taxes increase after the NEZ expires?

The NEZ Homestead saves homeowners about 20% whereas the LVT saves homeowners 17% on average. Until the NEZ expires, the homeowner will receive whichever is the larger savings. Most homeowners will see a slight increase after the NEZ expires, but will see savings versus if there was no NEZ or LVT. Some homeowners will see an immediate savings under LVT based on the value of land. NEZ Rehabs and NEZ News often see a large tax increase once the abatement expires, but the LVT will result in a smaller increase.

 My property has a HOPE exemption. Why doesn’t the estimator show a change in my tax bill under the proposed LVT plan?

Homeowners with a 100% HOPE exemption or veteran exemption will continue to pay $0 in property taxes. Homeowners with a partial exemption may have a further decrease or no change.

 I am a resident who owns personal property. Can I use the estimator to see how my personal property tax bill will change?

Personal property is not impacted by the proposed LVT plan. Only real property will see a change in the way their tax bills are calculated.

 I own a side lot. Can I use the estimator to see the estimated tax bill change on the side lot(s) that I own?

The lookup tool only shows estimated tax bill changes for residential homes. If you are a homeowner with side lot(s), the average increase per side lot is $25-30. Nearly all homeowners with side lots will have net savings due to a larger tax decrease on their home. However, the LVT plan guarantees that no homeowner with four side lots or fewer will see a net increase.

 I searched by parcel number and by address, but I don't see my property. How can I find my property?

This estimator only shows estimated tax bill changes for residential homes. If you own commercial/ industrial property, personal property, and/or vacant land (such as side lots), the website does not have the capability to calculate your estimated tax bill change. If you just purchased your home from the Detroit Land Bank Authority, recently changed homeowner status, or recently received an exemption or abatement, the change may not be reflected in the data yet, which is current as of June 30, 2023. If you cannot find your address or parcel number you can search for it on Detroit Parcel Viewer.

 The estimator says my property taxes will increase under the proposed LVT plan. Why is that?

While an estimated 97% of homeowners would see a decrease in their tax bill under the LVT plan, some homeowners will see no change, particularly if they own parcels with a significant amount of land. If you own your home and see an increase, then you may not have a Principal Residence Exemption on your property and should contact the Office of the Assessor or email [email protected].

 Who can I reach out to if I have specific questions on my property’s estimated bill under the Land Value Tax proposal?

Please send an email with your inquiry to [email protected].