PERSONAL PROPERTY/NEW BUSINESS
Are you opening a business or going out of business? Please inform the Assessor’s Office by letter of your business’s change of status, include your business name, date of its status change, today’s date, and have the letter signed by the owner.

General Information

1. Purpose: The purpose of this is to familiarize business owners with the Personal Property Tax. We will attempt to explain the functions of the Township Assessor’s Office in the administration of this tax.
2. Personal Property: Includes furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment used in the operation of a business. Typical items are desks, chairs, computers, cash registers, racks, beds, cabinets, televisions, tools, etc. If you question whether the property qualifies for the tax, contact the Assessor’s Office.
3. Tax Day: The Township Assessor values your personal property on Tax Day. Under Michigan Law, the Tax Day is December 31st of each year. Property is valued at market or true cash value and assessed at 50% thereof.
4. Statement of Personal Property: Davison Township mails out personal property statements in December of each year. Under State Law, statements are to be filed with the Assessor declaring all personal property. Leased equipment should also be reported on the personal property statement on the appropriate line. The statements are utilized by the Assessor in valuing your personal property. Should you not receive a statement by late December, please contact the Assessor’s Office.
5. Returning the Form: It is imperative that you return the completed statement in a timely fashion. Statements are due by February 1 of each year. If you do not return this statement, the Assessor is obligated, by law, to estimate the assessment based upon available information. DO NOT ASSUME that because you are out of business the Assessor will not assess the personal property. Remember, estimated assessments are valid.
6. Personal Property Audits: The Township conducts yearly personal property audits to assure that statements are filed correctly. You will receive notification of the intended audit, prior to the Assessor’s visit. The following information will be requested: depreciation schedule, general ledger, balance sheet, and all supporting journals.
7. Contesting the Assessment: An assessment may be contested if you feel it is inaccurate. This is a three-step process:
   1. Discuss your concerns with the Township’s Assessor.
   2. Petition with the local Board of Review, which meets in early March of each year.
   3. If you still believe your assessment is inaccurate, you may pursue your concerns with the Michigan Tax Tribunal.