Property Taxes - FAQ's

When are property taxes billed and due? 

Property taxes are billed twice  per year: July 1st and December 1st.  The July 1st (summer) bill is due by September 14th and the December 1st (winter) bill is due by February 14th. 

Can I pay my taxes in advance?

No, by law, we cannot collect any payments until the bills have been levied  for each billing cycle (on July 1st and December 1st).

 What do I do if I am out of town for extended periods of time? 

People that leave town for extended vacations, business, or those that go to warmer climates for the winter can file a forwarding order with the Post Office to have all their mail forwarded to them wherever they are going to be.  If this option will not work for you, please call our office and we will try to assist you. 

What is the penalty for paying my taxes late?  

For ANY payment not received by Laketon Township by the due date:  Interest in the amount of 1% per month is charged on unpaid taxes beginning the day after the due date.   Additional interest, penaltyes &/or fees will accrue if the taxes are turned over to the Muskegon County Treasurer for delinquent collection.

 Does the bill have to be paid in one lump sum? 

No.  Once you receive your bill, you may begin making payments.  Please remember that if the balance is not paid in full by the due date, interest will apply to the unpaid balance as noted above. 

Where do I make payments? 

Payments on both the current summer and winter bills are made at the Laketon Township Hall (in person or by mail) until the last day of February each year.  On March 1st any unpaid taxes for the current year are turned over to the County Treasurer for delinquent collection. 

What should I do if my taxes are turned over to the County Treasurer delinquent? 

Contact the County Treasurer’s Office as soon as possible.  The County Treasurer’s office will also accept partial payments on the balance due, call to make payment arrangements. Muskegon County Treasurer’s Office: 231-724-6261

What happens if my tax payment check "bounces" or is returned by the bank unpaid?  Anytime a check is returned by the bank unpaid (bounced) the payment is not valid, which means the taxes are still unpaid.  Laketon Township WILL NOT send any notices that your check has been returned - this issue is between you and your banking institution.  Replacement payments must be made by cash, money order or other certified funds.  If the replacement payment is made after the tax bill due date, the payment is late and the appropriate interest WILL apply.  There is a $20.00 returned check fee charged for any/all checks returned by the bank unpaid.

What happens if I send my payment by mail and it is lost in the mail and never received? 

Laketon Township is NOT responsible for tax payments that are mailed but not received.  It is the responsibility of all taxpayers to ensure their tax payment is made on time.  If you are concerned about mailing your payment, the U.S. Post Office offers several types guaranteed/proof of delivery mailing services.  Otherwise, if your payment does not clear your bank account within a few days (3 to 5 days) of mailing, just call Laketon Township to verify your payment has been received. 

Will I receive any notices or reminders that my taxes are still due? 

Not from Laketon Township.  Laketon Township sends out the original bill only.  No due date reminders or other notices are sent by this office.  If the taxes are not paid, then the Muskegon County Treasurer's Office sends out the delinquent tax bills.A Mainspring Website by Clockwork Logic, Inc.