Property tax: tax tribunal; number of days to appeal a claim for poverty exemption; modify. Amends sec. 53c of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.53c).
Key claim: A Senate-passed bill would change how many days a taxpayer has to appeal a property-tax poverty exemption claim to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
Abstract
(SB0988 · 103rd Legislature) Property tax: tax tribunal; number of days to appeal a claim for poverty exemption; modify. Amends sec. 53c of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.53c). Sponsor: Sen. Sylvia Santana (D) In committee: H Government Operations Latest vote: Senate Third Reading: Passed Roll Call # 257 — 36-0 (passed, 2026-10-01) Latest action (2026-10-06): Referred To Committee On Government Operations
Why this matters
Property-tax poverty exemptions are a key relief tool for low-income Michigan homeowners, and the deadline to appeal a denial to the Tax Tribunal determines whether taxpayers can effectively contest local decisions. A unanimous Senate vote on a narrow procedural adjustment signals cross-partisan agreement on access-to-appeal mechanics without broader tax-policy change.