AppealDesk

Kent County Property Tax Appeal — Michigan

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Kent County, Michigan, with its county seat in Grand Rapids, is the second most populous county in the state and home to over 650,000 residents. The county includes major cities like Grand Rapids, Wyoming, and Kentwood. With a median home price of $248,400, homeowners can expect a tax bill that aligns with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Median annual Kent County tax bill: $2,321, $79 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Kent County has a median property tax rate of 0.89%, which is below the national median of 1.02%. Median Kent County effective property tax rate: 0.89%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%. Despite having one of Michigan's highest-valued property markets, Kent County's effective tax rate keeps property tax bills competitive compared to national averages.

Notable cities: Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker

Median Home

$248,400

Tax Rate

0.89%

Annual Tax

$2,321

Population

650,000+

2026 Appeal Deadline: Keep in mind that property tax appeals are generally only accepted in a 1-3 month window each year.

The revision includes the appeal procedure for filing personal property tax statements, and reduces the time for taxpayers to file appeals to days from the date of initial review. The Board of Review begins hearings of appeals by taxpayers on the Tuesday following the first Monday in March. Property owners typically have a limited window to appeal after receiving their assessment notice in mid-March.

Property in Kent County, Michigan — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Kent County Assesses Property

50%of market value

Assessed by: The Appraisal Division equalizes property values annually among 21 townships and nine cities so property taxes remain uniformly fair across Kent County.

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: In Kent County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March.

In Kent County, MI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically determined as approximately 50% of the property's market value. For example, if your home's market value is $248,400 (the county median), at Michigan's 50% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $124,200, resulting in approximately $2,321 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.89%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review / Michigan Tax Tribunal. Their function is to review the entire assessment roll for omitted properties and then to act upon information and appeals brought to them by the assessor or city property owners. They act on each property individually to either sustain, increase or decrease assessed values based on market data, or recompute taxable values based on pertinent information provided them.

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Step 1: If you would like to appeal your property, call the Kent County Assessor's Office at(616) 632-7520 and ask for a property tax appeal form.

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Step 2: You will have to submit a form describing your property and sufficient proof that it is overassessed, including valuations of similar homes nearby as evidence.

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Step 3: File your appeal with supporting documentation before the deadline, typically within 1-3 months after receiving your assessment notice

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Step 4: Attend the Board of Review hearing if requested, presenting your evidence and comparable sales data

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Step 5: If your appeal is denied, you still have the option to re-appeal the decision. If no further administrative appeals can be made, you can appeal your Kent County tax assessment in court. You may appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 35 days of the Board's decision

Required form: If you would like to appeal your property, call the Kent County Assessor's Office at(616) 632-7520 and ask for a property tax appeal form.

Filing Methods

mail:Mail appeal form to Kent County Bureau of Equalization, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
in-person:Physical Address View Map 300 Monroe Avenue NW County Administration Building Grand Rapids, MI 49503
phone:Call(616) 632-7520 to request appeal forms and information

Evidence to Bring

comparable sales dataproperty photosrepair estimatesrecent appraisals

Kent County Assessor Contact

Kent County Bureau of Equalization

Phone: (616) 632-7520

Address: 300 Monroe Avenue NW County Administration Building Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Website: https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/Equalization/

Online Portal: https://bsaonline.com/?uid=2005

Tax Exemptions in Kent County

Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)

Up to 18 mills reduction in school operating taxes

A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) exempts a residence from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes up to 18 mills. Section 211.7cc and 211.7dd of the General Property Tax Act, Public Act 206 of 1893, as amended, addresses PRE claims. To qualify for a PRE, a person must be a Michigan resident who owns and occupies the property as a principal residence.

Eligibility: Michigan residents who own and occupy the property as their principal residenceDeadline: On or before June 1st to be applied to the summer billing cycle or on or before November 1st to be applied to the winter billing cycle.

Homestead Property Tax Credit

Up to $1,200 annually

Seniors are entitled to a homestead property tax credit equal to up to 100% of the amount their property taxes exceed 3.5% of their income, up to $1,200. General claimants who do not qualify for special consideration receive a homestead property tax credit equal to 60% of the amount their property taxes exceed 3.5% of their income, up to $1,200.

Eligibility: All homeowners with property taxes exceeding 3.5% of income; seniors receive 100% credit, general claimants receive 60%Deadline: File with Michigan income tax return

Poverty Exemption

Full or partial property tax exemption

An exemption for the principal residence of persons who, in the judgment of the local unit of government, by reason of poverty, are unable to contribute to the public charges. Recent legislation provides homeowners meeting the federal poverty income standards the opportunity to apply for an exemption of the payment of property taxes due to financial hardship.

Eligibility: You may qualify for an exemption from property taxes that could reduce or eliminate future taxes. To find out if you qualify for assistance with your property taxes through the Poverty Tax Exemption, make sure to contact your city or township assessor's office.Deadline: Contact local assessor for deadlines

Disabled Veterans Exemption

Varies based on disability rating

A property tax exemption for real property owned and used as a homestead by a disabled veteran or the disabled veteran's un-remarried, surviving spouse.

Eligibility: Disabled veterans or their un-remarried surviving spousesDeadline: Contact local assessor

Summer Tax Deferment

Defers summer taxes to February 14

Summer property tax deferments are offered to senior citizens (62 years of age or older), certain veterans, and handicapped individuals that have a household income of $40,000 or less. If deferred, the summer property tax becomes due at the same time as the winter property tax bill, which is February 14. The purpose of the deferment is to allow the taxpayer to file for a Homestead Credit from the State of Michigan and use the refund to help pay for the property tax.

Eligibility: Seniors 62+, certain veterans, and disabled individuals with household income under $40,000Deadline: Before summer tax deadline

Official Resources

Kent County Bureau of Equalization →

Official Kent County equalization department website with assessment information, reports, and property tax resources

Kent County Property Search Portal →

Search for property information, tax bills, and assessment data for properties throughout Kent County

Michigan Treasury - Principal Residence Exemption →

State of Michigan official page for property tax exemptions including PRE applications and eligibility requirements

Check Your Kent County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Kent County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Kent County?
Keep in mind that property tax appeals are generally only accepted in a 1-3 month window each year. The Board of Review begins hearings of appeals by taxpayers on the Tuesday following the first Monday in March. You typically must file your appeal shortly after receiving your assessment notice in mid-March. The exact deadline varies by municipality, but most require appeals within 30-45 days of the assessment notice date. Contact your local assessor immediately upon receiving your notice to confirm the specific deadline for your property.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Kent County online?
While Kent County offers an online portal at https://bsaonline.com/?uid=2005 for property searches and tax information, property tax appeals must currently be filed by mail or in person. If you would like to appeal your property, call the Kent County Assessor's Office at(616) 632-7520 and ask for a property tax appeal form. You'll need to complete the form and submit it with supporting documentation to the Kent County Bureau of Equalization at 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Some individual cities within Kent County may have their own appeal procedures.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Kent County?
A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) exempts a residence from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes up to 18 mills. A property that receives the Principal Residence Exemption status is relieved of 18 mills for school operating property tax. On a home with Kent County's median value of $248,400 and assessed value of $124,200, this exemption saves approximately $2,236 annually. Additionally, qualified homeowners can claim the Homestead Property Tax Credit for up to $1,200 if their taxes exceed 3.5% of their income.
What happens at a Board of Review hearing in Kent County?
The Board consists of three (or six or nine) voters of the City of Kentwood appointed by the City Commission. Their function is to review the entire assessment roll for omitted properties and then to act upon information and appeals brought to them by the assessor or city property owners. They act on each property individually to either sustain, increase or decrease assessed values based on market data, or recompute taxable values based on pertinent information provided them. You'll present your evidence, including comparable sales data and any documentation supporting your claim that your property is overassessed. The Board will review all evidence and make a determination, typically within a few weeks.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Kent County?
If your appeal is accepted, your home assessment (and property taxes) will be lowered as a result. If your appeal is successful, your property will be reassessed at a lower valuation and your Kent County property taxes will be lowered accordingly. Statistics show that about 25% of homes in America are unfairly overassessed, and pay an average of $1,346 too much in property taxes every year. With Kent County's median tax bill of $2,321, even a modest 10% reduction in your assessed value could save you over $230 annually. The actual savings depend on how much your property is overassessed compared to similar homes in your area.
What evidence do I need for a Kent County property tax appeal?
You will have to submit a form describing your property and sufficient proof that it is overassessed, including valuations of similar homes nearby as evidence. Previous appraisals, expert opinions, and appraisals for similar properties may be attached to the appeal as supporting documentation. Comparable Sales of other like property (required for Residential Appeal) January 1 2021- June 30, 2023. You'll need at least 3-5 comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value suggests. Also helpful are photos showing any property defects, repair estimates for needed work, and professional appraisals if available.
Can seniors get additional property tax relief in Kent County?
Summer property tax deferments are offered to senior citizens (62 years of age or older), certain veterans, and handicapped individuals that have a household income of $40,000 or less. If deferred, the summer property tax becomes due at the same time as the winter property tax bill, which is February 14. The purpose of the deferment is to allow the taxpayer to file for a Homestead Credit from the State of Michigan and use the refund to help pay for the property tax. Seniors are entitled to a homestead property tax credit equal to up to 100% of the amount their property taxes exceed 3.5% of their income, up to $1,200. This combination of deferments and credits can significantly reduce the property tax burden for qualifying seniors.

For state-wide appeal information including Michigan's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Michigan Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Michigan Counties

Macomb County (Warren)Oakland County (Troy)Wayne County (Detroit)
← All Michigan property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.ownwell.com/trends/michigan/kent-county | https://www.tax-rates.org/michigan/kent_county_property_tax | https://www.accesskent.com/Departments/Equalization/ | https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/property/exemptions | https://bsaonline.com/?uid=2005

Last verified: 2026-02-15