Assessment
The Assessor determines the value of all real and personal property in the City every year. The assessments may change based on factors such as an addition to a structure, damage by fire, etc. Property owners are responsible for reporting any changes that would affect values. By state law, all property is required to be assessed at 50% of the true cash value as of December 31st. Tax bills are determined by multiplying your taxable value (not assessed value) by the local millage rates and are affected by millage increases approved by the voters and the decisions of various taxing jurisdictions.

Director:
James H. Elrod, CMAE IV
Address:
36601 Ford Rd. 2nd Floor
Westland, MI 48185
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: 734.467.3160
Fax: 734.467.3546
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
Monday through Friday

The Assessor is available by appointment throughout the year to discuss assessment or other real property tax related concerns.   The department has an open door policy and encourages taxpayers with questions to contact us. The Assessor is also available to speak to citizens, community, civic, and homeowner groups from Westland in regard to the assessment process and current trends in property values. Please contact our office for more information.

 

* * * *2010 ASSESSMENTS WERE MAILED 02/19/10.* * * *

 

FOR BOARD OF REVIEW INFORMATION,

CLICK HERE.

 

~NOTICE REGARDING ONLINE ASSESSMENT~

The information contained herein reflects the information contained in the City's computer files as of its last update. The City of Westland does not however make any representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information, and shall not be liable for any loss caused by reliance upon it. We advise that portions of it may be incorrect or not current. Errors or omissions shall not affect actual taxes or special assessments that are due and payable. Reliance upon any information obtained from this system is done at your own risk.

 


SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING PROPERTY LOT SIZES

 

The State of Michigan now features tax maps which show a lot’s size. These can be accessed for free. If the property you are researching does not have a lot size available, please click here and follow the directions. If it is not available there or on our website, the lot is most likely an irregular-shaped lot and you will need to visit the Assessors Office to consult our tax map.

If you require information from other cities, click here for a listing of
other cities in Wayne County.


PROPERTY APPRAISALS

The Assessor gathers all relevant community information including real estate sales, construction costs, rental incomes, operating expenses, interest rates, and other factors. Three approaches are used to determine value:

    1. Sales Comparison Approach - Recent sale prices of comparable properties are analyzed to get a true picture of value. The Assessor considers overpricing or under-pricing to arrive at a fair evaluation of your property.

     

    2. Cost Approach - With this method, the Assessor bases value on how much money it would take, at current material and labor costs, to replace your property with one just like it. A determination is made for depreciation, normal wear and tear, and other factors.

     

    3. Income Approach - This is used for rental property and measures value based on its ability to generate net income.


ASSESSMENT CAP


In March of 1994, Proposal A was approved by the voters. As a result, taxable value can only be increased by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5% whichever is less, except for new construction or demolition. Effective in 1995, a property's taxable value is capped at this rate until the property is transferred. A Property Transfer Affidavit must be filed with the Assessor by the new owner within 45 days of the transfer.

This change in Michigan Tax Law created Homestead (the home you own and occupy) and Non-Homestead (all other property) categories. Homeowners can receive an 18-mil tax reduction by filing a Homeowners Principle Residence Exemption Affidavit (formerly known as Homestead Exemption Affidavit) with the Assessor. The Homestead Exemption can be removed by filing a Request to Rescind Homeowner's Principal Residence Exemption with the Assessor.

 


CONDITIONAL RESCISSION

 

On April 8, 2008, Governor Granholm signed House Bill 4215, enacting Public Act 96 of 2008, which amended Section 211.7cc of the General Property Tax Act of 1893. The amendment enables a person who has established a new principal residence in Michigan to retain a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) on property previously exempt as the owner's principal residence (if the property is not occupied, is for sale, is not leased and is not used for any business or commercial purpose) by submitting a Conditional Rescission of Principal Residence Exemption Form #4640. The conditional rescission allows an owner to receive a PRE on his or her property and on previously exempted property simultaneously if certain criteria are met. An owner may receive the PRE on the previous principal residence for up to three years if the property is not occupied, is for sale and listed through MLS (Multi Listing Site), is not leased or rented, and is not used for any business or commercial purpose. The owner must annually submit Form 4640 on or before December 31 to verify to the Assessor that the property for which the PRE is retained is not occupied, is for sale, is not rented or leased, and is not used for any business or commercial purpose. For example, if an owner received a PRE in 2008 by submitting Form 4640, he or she would have to submit another Form 4640 by December 31, 2008, to qualify for a PRE in 2009.