What is the role of local assessors in Michigan?

Local assessors in Michigan play a crucial role in determining property values and ensuring that these assessments are accurate for taxation purposes. Their primary responsibility is to evaluate real property within their jurisdiction, which includes residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This assessment process involves conducting property inspections, analyzing comparable property sales, and considering various factors that may affect a property's value.

By accurately determining property values, local assessors help ensure a fair taxation system where property owners are taxed appropriately based on the market value of their properties. This not only supports local government revenue needs but also contributes to the equity of the tax system as a whole, ensuring that individuals and businesses pay their fair share based on the value of the property they own.

This role is critical in preventing under- or over-assessment, which could result in either unfairly high taxes for some property owners or insufficient revenues for local governments. Additionally, local assessors provide transparency in the assessment process, which can help build trust in the property tax system within the community.