Kent County Property Tax Appeal, Michigan

Travis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Kent County is Michigan's fourth-largest county with an estimated population of 680,052 as of 2026, anchored by Grand Rapids, the state's second-largest city. The county has experienced strong growth, with property values and assessments rising accordingly, making careful review of tax assessments increasingly important for homeowners. Kent County's median home value of approximately $325,400 exceeds both the Michigan state median and national averages, while the effective property tax rate of 1.03% remains competitive. The median annual property tax bill in Kent County is $2,741, which is above the national median of $2,400 but reflects the county's higher property values and strong economic base centered on healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.

Notable cities: Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville

Median Home

$325,400

Tax Rate

1.03%

Annual Tax

$2,741

Population

680,052

On the typical Kent County home, valued near $325,400 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.03%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: March 9, 2026 for Board of Review; May 31, 2026 for Michigan Tax Tribunal

This year's appeal window has passed in most of Michigan. Order now and we re-run your numbers free when the window reopens, so your evidence is ready the day your next notice lands.

The Board of Review begins hearings on the Tuesday following the first Monday in March. For residential properties, appeals are typically due within 30-45 days of receiving your assessment notice in mid-March. Property owners can also appeal directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal by May 31 of the tax year.

See if your Kent County home is over-assessed

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Michigan lakeshore house. Kent County appeal guide.

How Kent County Assesses Property

50%of market value

Assessed by: Kent County Appraisal Division / Local City or Township Assessor

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: mid-March

In Kent County, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of your home, which is set at 50% of the property's market value under Michigan law. The Appraisal Division equalizes property values annually among 21 townships and nine cities to ensure fairness across Kent County. For example, if your home's market value is $325,400 (the county median), at Michigan's 50% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $162,700, resulting in approximately $3,347 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.03%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Review / Michigan Tax Tribunal. The Board of Review will evaluate your evidence and may sustain, increase, or decrease your assessed value based on the market data you provide. Most hearings are brief, with property owners given 10-15 minutes to present their case.

Contact the Kent County Assessor's Office at (616) 632-7520 immediately upon receiving your assessment notice in mid-March to request a property tax appeal form and confirm your specific deadline

Gather evidence to support your appeal, including recent comparable sales of similar properties in your neighborhood, photos documenting property condition issues, repair estimates for any defects, and a recent independent appraisal if available

Complete the Board of Review Petition Form L-4035 describing your property and the reasons you believe it is overassessed, and submit it with all supporting documentation before the deadline (typically within 30-45 days of your notice)

Attend the Board of Review hearing if scheduled, presenting your evidence and comparable sales data to support your requested valuation reduction

If the Board of Review denies your appeal or you disagree with their decision, file a petition with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 35 days of the Board's decision (for residential properties, the deadline is July 31; for commercial properties, May 31)

If further appeals are needed after the Michigan Tax Tribunal decision, you may appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals, though this requires legal representation and is typically reserved for cases involving significant tax amounts

Required form: Board of Review Petition Form L-4035 / Contact assessor at (616) 632-7520 for appeal form

Filing Methods

phone:Call Kent County Assessor's Office at (616) 632-7520 to request a property tax appeal form

mail:Kent County Bureau of Equalization, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

in-person:County Administration Building, 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm)

online:Property search available at https://bsaonline.com/?uid=2005 but appeals must be filed by mail or in person

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales of similar homes sold recently in your areaPhotos showing property condition, defects, or damageRepair estimates or contractor quotes for needed workRecent independent appraisalDocumentation of property characteristics that may affect value

Kent County Assessor Contact

Kent County Bureau of Equalization - Appraisal Division

Phone: (616) 632-7520

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

Website: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/209/Equalization

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

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Kent County

Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)

$18 per $1,000 of taxable value (18 mills exemption). For a home with $150,000 taxable value, this saves approximately $2,700 annually

Exempts your primary residence from 18 mills of local school operating tax, saving $18 per $1,000 of taxable value

Eligibility: Michigan residents who own and occupy the property as their principal residence. You must hold a Michigan driver's license or state ID, and the property must be your primary home where you live, get mail, and file taxesDeadline: June 1 (or November 1 for winter billing cycle)

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Varies based on disability rating - can provide full or partial exemption from property taxes

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 with service-connected disabilities or their un-remarried surviving spouses who own and occupy the property as their principal residenceDeadline: Contact local assessor for specific deadline

Senior Citizen / Low Income Summer Tax Deferment

Deferment only - taxes become due February 14 with winter bill

Allows eligible seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals to defer summer property taxes until winter, enabling them to use state Homestead Credit refunds to help pay taxes

Eligibility: Seniors age 62 or older, certain veterans, and disabled individuals with household income of $40,000 or lessDeadline: Before summer tax deadline (typically September 14)

Kent County Appeal Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Kent County for 2026?

The primary deadline to appeal your Kent County property taxes to the Board of Review is March 9, 2026, when boards of review hold their protest sessions during the week of the second Monday in March (exact schedule varies by city and township). However, exact deadlines vary by municipality and are typically within 30-45 days of receiving your assessment notice in mid-March. You can also bypass the Board of Review and appeal directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal with a deadline of May 31, 2026 for commercial properties, or July 31, 2026 for residential properties. It's critical to contact your local assessor immediately upon receiving your assessment notice to confirm your specific deadline, as missing it means you cannot appeal for that tax year.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Kent County?

To file a property tax appeal in Kent County, first call the Kent County Assessor's Office at (616) 632-7520 to request a Board of Review Petition Form L-4035 and confirm your deadline. You'll need to complete this form describing your property and why you believe it's overassessed, then gather supporting evidence such as comparable sales, photos of property defects, and repair estimates. Submit your completed petition with all documentation to the Kent County Bureau of Equalization at 300 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, either by mail or in person before your deadline. While Kent County offers an online portal at bsaonline.com for property searches, appeals must currently be filed by mail or in person, not online.

What is the Principal Residence Exemption worth in Kent County?

The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) in Kent County exempts your primary residence from 18 mills of local school operating tax, which translates to $18 in savings per $1,000 of taxable value. For a home with a taxable value of $150,000, this exemption saves approximately $2,700 annually in property taxes. For a home at Kent County's median value of $325,400 (with a taxable value of $162,700 for new purchases), the PRE saves roughly $2,929 per year. This is one of the most valuable property tax benefits available to Michigan homeowners, but you must file Form 2368 (Principal Residence Exemption) with your local assessor by June 1 to claim it.

When are property assessment notices mailed in Kent County?

In Kent County, property assessment notices are mailed in the spring each year and typically reach homeowners' mailboxes by mid-March. These notices contain your property's market value, assessed value (50% of market value), taxable value, and an estimate of your property tax bill for the upcoming year. The notices are only sent if there is a change in your assessed value or taxable value from the prior year. Upon receiving your notice, you have a limited window, typically 30-45 days, to file an appeal with the Board of Review, so it's important to review your notice immediately and contact the assessor's office at (616) 632-7520 if you have questions or wish to appeal.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Kent County?

The amount you can save by appealing your property taxes in Kent County depends on how much your assessment is reduced. With Kent County's effective tax rate of 1.03%, every $10,000 reduction in your assessed value saves approximately $103 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessed value from $200,000 to $180,000, you would save about $206 annually. National statistics show that about 25% of homes are overassessed, paying an average of $1,346 too much annually. Given Kent County's higher property values and recent rapid appreciation, successful appeals can result in savings of several hundred to several thousand dollars per year, making the effort worthwhile for many homeowners.

What evidence do I need for a Kent County property tax appeal?

To file a successful property tax appeal in Kent County, you need solid evidence that your property's assessed value exceeds its fair market value. The most compelling evidence includes recent comparable sales, at least three similar homes in your neighborhood that sold within the past 6-12 months for less than your assessed value. You should also provide photos documenting any property condition issues, damage, or needed repairs, along with contractor estimates showing repair costs. A recent independent appraisal conducted by a licensed appraiser can be very persuasive, though it costs money to obtain. Additional helpful evidence includes documentation of property defects like foundation issues, water damage, outdated systems, or functional obsolescence that may not be visible from the exterior.

Can I appeal directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal instead of the Board of Review in Kent County?

Yes, Michigan property owners can appeal directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal without first appearing before the local Board of Review, though the process and deadlines differ by property type. For residential properties (including your home), you can file with the Tribunal by July 31 of the tax year. For commercial, industrial, and developmental properties, which appeal directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the deadline is May 31. The Tribunal provides a more formal process than the Board of Review and is particularly effective for commercial appeals or complex residential cases. However, for straightforward residential appeals, starting with the Board of Review is often simpler and faster. If the Board of Review denies your appeal, you still have 35 days to escalate to the Tax Tribunal for a second chance at relief.

How does the 50% assessment ratio work in Kent County?

Michigan law requires all property to be assessed at 50% of its true market value, known as the State Equalized Value (SEV). In Kent County, if your home has a market value of $325,400, your assessed value would be $162,700 (exactly 50%). Your taxable value, the figure actually used to calculate your tax bill, may be lower than your assessed value due to Proposal A caps that limit annual increases to 5% or inflation, whichever is less. However, when a property is sold, the taxable value 'uncaps' and resets to equal the assessed value, which often results in a significant tax increase for new buyers. This is why new homeowners in Kent County's growing market should particularly review their assessments for accuracy and consider appealing if overvalued.

Official Resources

Kent County Equalization Department - Official Website →

Official county resource for property assessment information, reports, and contact details for the Appraisal Division.

Michigan Tax Tribunal →

State-level appeals board for property tax disputes, with forms, filing instructions, and deadline information for Kent County appeals.

Kent County Property Search (BS&A Online) →

Online portal to search property records, view assessed and taxable values, and research comparable sales in Kent County.

Michigan Principal Residence Exemption Information →

Official state guidance on the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE), including eligibility requirements, application forms, and filing deadlines.

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)Sanilac County (Sandusky)Wayne County (Detroit)

← All Michigan property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.kentcountymi.gov/209/Equalization | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/michigan/kent-county | https://smartasset.com/taxes/michigan-property-tax-calculator | https://www.appealdesk.com/appeals/michigan/kent | https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/property/principal | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/michigan/kent-county

Last verified: 2026-07-24