Detroit Examines Independent Study on Property Assessments

News Summary

Detroit is re-evaluating its property tax assessments amid a recent study by IAAO which found no evidence of systemic over-assessment in the city. City officials argue that this contradicts previous claims from critics, particularly a University of Chicago study. While the city asserts its property assessments remain compliant with Michigan law, concerns linger over potential inaccuracies affecting lower-valued homes. City Council will discuss these findings soon, as property values in Detroit continue to rise, affecting tax implications for homeowners.

Detroit Independent Study on Property Assessments

Detroit has recently been at the center of a debate regarding property tax assessments following an independent study conducted by the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). The study concluded that there is no evidence of “systemic over-assessment” of properties in the city, a claim that city officials believe addresses longstanding concerns from homeowners regarding inflated property taxes on lower-valued homes.

City officials assert that this independent research counters critics’ claims, particularly those arising from a previous study by the University of Chicago. This earlier research suggested that 65% of the lowest value homes in Detroit were assessed above 50% of their market value, raising alarms about overcharging homeowners.

In response, city officials have criticized the University of Chicago study, arguing that it misinterpreted Michigan law and its evaluation process. They promote the IAAO report’s findings that Detroit’s average property assessment stands at 50.1%, with a confidence interval of 49.7% to 50.5%. Under Michigan state law, property taxes cannot exceed 50% of a property’s market value, reinforcing the validity of the IAAO’s analysis.

However, critics contest the findings, alleging that the assessment process remains “imprecise, inaccurate, and unfair.” A notable group voicing concerns is the Coalition for Property Tax Justice, which has filed appeals for nearly 800 property assessments over the past two years, attributing rising inflation to increased taxes impacting homeowners. Data released by the city indicates that approximately 98% of initial property assessments were recorded as accurate, with most maintaining unchanged taxable values.

In defense of the city’s assessment practices, Chief Assessor Alvin Horhn pointed out that local property laws do not adequately reflect the unique sales methods utilized in Detroit, such as quick claims or land contracts. This discrepancy may lead to disproportionate assessments, especially affecting lower-valued homes. Critics, including Robert Ross, the former chief data officer for Chicago’s assessors, argue that such homes often face inflated assessments, some reaching double their market values.

City Council Actions and Community Impact

The findings of the IAAO study will be discussed by a Detroit City Council committee in the coming days. Property values in the city have notably surged by 19% in the last year, generating an impressive $1.4 billion in new wealth for homeowners and pushing the total assessed property value in Detroit to over $10 billion for the first time in more than 25 years. Mayor Mike Duggan highlighted the city’s progress, emphasizing that improvements such as crime reduction and enhanced neighborhood conditions have positively influenced property value growth.

Additionally, protections for homeowners are in place to mitigate the impact of tax increases. A cap limits annual tax increases to 3.1% for individuals who purchased their homes before 2024. Assessment notices for property taxes are scheduled to be mailed out this week, with subsequent tax bills to follow. Homeowners will have the opportunity to appeal their assessments starting February 1 through various submission methods, including online, in person, or by mail.

Community Support and Assistance Programs

The City of Detroit has also enacted a recent ordinance reform aimed at enhancing property assessment notices and extending the appeal period for residents. Homeowners experiencing financial hardships can access several assistance programs, including HOPE (Homeowners Property Exemption), which offers tax reductions based on income. Upcoming open house events will provide residents with valuable information about available property tax assistance resources.

This comprehensive evaluation of Detroit’s property taxation processes goes beyond mere numbers, reflecting the city’s ongoing efforts to bolster community trust and protect homeowner interests in a continually evolving economic landscape.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

IAAO Study Finds No Systemic Over-Assessment in Detroit
Neighbors Rally for Action Against Abandoned Detroit Home
Edenville Residents Celebrate Permit Win for Dam Restoration

Additional Resources

• Detroit News: Detroit Independent Study on Property Assessments
• Wikipedia: Property Tax
• Detroit Free Press: Mike Duggan on Property Value
• Google Search: Detroit property tax assistance
• Fox 2 Detroit: Property Tax Relief Program
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Property Tax
• Bridge Detroit: Entertainment Tax Proposal
• Google News: Detroit property tax studies
• DBusiness: Tax Abatement Report
• Google Scholar: Detroit property rates
• WXYZ: Mayor Duggan’s Budget Proposal