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Tertiary Menu
Frequently Asked Questions
For your convenience, we've compiled on this page the most frequently
asked questions.
Is there a drop box at the Township
Hall for after hours?
Yes there is a drop box located to the
left of the main entrance on the west side of the township building.
Can I pay by phone or over the internet?
Yes. Real and personal property taxes may
be paid using Master Card or Visa. Official Payments Corp will
process your payment to the credit card company and charge a fee for
the transaction. Official Payments charges you a fee of approx. 3%
for this service. Payments will be only accepted before the due
date. For example, summer taxes could be paid by Master Card or Visa
up to September 14th and winter taxes could be paid up to February
14th. By the internet, go to
www.officialpayments.com.
By phone call 1-800-429-7444. You should
have your credit card and tax bill with you when you call. You will
be prompted through several steps and end up with a confirmation
number if payment is accepted.
When can I expect to receive my summer
taxes?
Summer taxes should be received in early
July. All summer taxes cover school taxes (local school district;
Oakland Intermediate, Oakland Community College and the State
Education Tax which goes to the State of Michigan, and county
general taxes). The time period covered runs from July 1 through
June 30 of the next year. After September 14, interest of 1%
will be added to your tax bill each month.
When should I expect to receive my winter
taxes?
Winter taxes should be received in early December. Winter taxes
cover township and county parks. Special assessments are also placed
on the winter taxes. The time period covered runs from December 1
through November 30 of the next
year.
When is the last day I can pay my
summer/winter taxes at the township?
The last day of February. Any unpaid taxes
after that day are turned over to the county as delinquent. This is
true for all Oakland County villages, cities and townships. Starting
March 1, any unpaid taxes can only be paid at the County
Treasurer’s office. Their phone number is 248-858-0611.
Should I notify anyone if I change who
pays my taxes?
Yes. You should contact the Treasurer’s
office at 248-625-5115. If you decide to pay your own taxes or if
your escrow company changes, you need to let us know.
Should I receive anything about my taxes
if an escrow company pays?
Yes. Although, we are not obligated to do
so by law, we will send a customer only copy to you as well as
sending the payment copy to your escrow company. Your escrow company
should send confirmation of paying and the balance in your account.
If I don’t receive a tax bill, am I
legally obligated to pay?
Yes. As unfair as some may think that is,
the law clearly states the property owner is responsible even if
they didn’t get a bill. If you pay your own taxes, remember the July
and December time frames.
How is it possible I wouldn’t receive a
tax bill?
Every attempt is made to make sure
property owners receive their bill. Any returned tax bills are
researched and hopefully sent out to the right address. Please
contact our office if you don’t receive a bill in early July or
early December.
What should I receive if I pay my own
taxes?
You should receive both a customer and
a payment copy. If you pay in person, bring both copies with you. If
you pay by mail, send only the payment copy. If you want your
customer copy stamped as being paid, please send a self-addressed
stamped envelope for return.
Are there any local bank offices I can
pay at?
No, not at this time.
Is there any way I could delay paying
my summer taxes without paying a penalty?
Yes. It is possible to defer summer tax payments until February
14 if the owner meets age or disability and income guidelines. Look
at the back of your tax bill for more detail about requirements. You
must fill out an application in our office no later than September
14 to be eligible.
Do you accept post marks?
No. All tax payments must be in the
office by the end of February because no payments can be accepted in
March even if that postmark indicates late February. If paying by
mail; please send out at least 7 to 10 days prior to the deadline
due date.
Does the Township offer tax and
assessment information on the website?
Yes.
Click here to access that
information.
Should I contact the Treasurer’s office
with a name/address change or a homestead affidavit?
You should contact the Assessing office
with those requests. Each requires a form to be filled out and
returned to the Assessing department.
When are taxes due if the September 14 or February 14 falls on a legal holiday or on a weekend day?
You have until the next business day to pay. For example, if
summer taxes are due September 14 and that
day falls on Saturday or Sunday, you could pay the next Monday
without having to pay penalties.
How come my escrow company said they
paid on one date, but your office doesn’t show it paid or it was
much later than when the escrow company said they paid?
Many mortgage/escrow companies use a
tax service company. The largest one is First American Real Estate
Tax Service. This company may hold payments and combine with other
mortgage companies before sending payments to the treasurer.
Am I responsible to pay interest or
penalties if my escrow company doesn’t pay on time?
No. They are responsible and should not
charge you.
Independence Township Signature
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