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Tertiary Menu
Frequently Asked Questions
For your convenience, we've compiled on this page the most frequently
asked questions.
Is there a drop box at the Township Hall for after hours?
Yes, there is a drop box located to the left of the main entrance
on the west side of the building. Please DO NOT put cash in the drop
box.
Can I pay by phone or over the Internet?
In an effort to service you better and to provide more options
while paying your taxes, you may now pay through the Charter
Township of Independence's web site or by phone from July 1, 2011
through February 28, 2012. Please remember that summer payments made
after September 14, 2011 or winter payments made after February 14,
2012 does incur additional interest and/or penalties. To pay online
using the internet, go to
www.indtwptax.com.
To pay by phone, call 888-357-8394 and follow the instructions
given to you. You are responsible for the convenience fee imposed by
Official Payments for these services. Most major credit and debit
cards as well as e-checks are accepted. Please allow up to 5 days
for posting using these services.
When can I expect to receive my summer tax statement?
Summer tax statements should be received by early July of each
year. Summer taxes may be paid between July 1 and September 14
without interest or penalty.
When can I expect to receive my winter tax statement?
Winter tax statements should be received by early December of
each year. Winter taxes may be paid between December 1 of the
current year and February 14 of the following year without Penalty
and interest.
When is the last day I can pay my
summer/winter taxes at the township?
The last day of February. Any unpaid taxes
after that day are turned over to the county as delinquent. This is
true for all Oakland County villages, cities and townships. Starting
March 1, any unpaid taxes can only be paid at the County
Treasurer’s office. Their phone number is 248-858-0611.
Should I notify anyone if I change who
pays my taxes?
Yes. You should contact the Treasurer’s
office at 248-625-5115. If you decide to pay your own taxes or if
your escrow company changes, you need to let us know.
Should I receive anything about my taxes
if an escrow company pays?
Yes. Although, we are not obligated to do
so by law, we will send a customer only copy to you as well as
sending the payment copy to your escrow company. Your escrow company
should send confirmation of paying and the balance in your account.
If I don’t receive a tax bill, am I legally obligated to
pay?
Yes. As unfair as some may think that is, the law clearly states
the property owner is responsible even if they didn’t get a tax
bill. You can access your tax statements as far back as 1994, at
www.indtwptax.com. If you pay your own taxes, remember the July and
December time frames.
How is it possible I wouldn’t receive a
tax bill?
Every attempt is made to make sure
property owners receive their bill. Any returned tax bills are
researched and hopefully sent out to the right address. Please
contact our office if you don’t receive a bill in early July or
early December.
What should I receive if I pay my own taxes?
You should receive a customer payment tax statement. If you pay
in person at the township, please bring the whole tax statement with
you. We will stamp the bottom portion as your receipt. If you pay by
mail, send only the payment or top portion of the statement with
your check. If you want the lower portion stamped as paid, please
send the whole statement with a self-addressed stamped envelope for
us to return it to you.
Is there any way I could delay paying my summer taxes
without paying a penalty?
If you qualify, it is possible to defer summer tax payments until
February 14. Age, disability and income guidelines are listed on the
back of your tax statement and the Deferment Application. You can
access the Application for Deferment of Summer Taxes and the 2010
Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit forms by clicking on the
Forms tab above. They are also available in the Treasurer’s office.
You may fill out these forms and return them to the Treasurer’s
office by September 14th. The Treasurer may also be able to assist
you by working out a payment plan. The earlier you come in affords
us the opportunity to come up with a better plan to suit your
situation.
Do you accept post marks?
No. All tax payments must be in the
office by the end of February because no payments can be accepted in
March even if that postmark indicates late February. If paying by
mail; please send out at least 7 to 10 days prior to the deadline
due date.
Does the Township offer tax and
assessment information on the website?
Yes.
Click here to access that
information.
Should I contact the Treasurer’s office
with a name/address change or a homestead affidavit?
You should contact the Assessing office
with those requests. Each requires a form to be filled out and
returned to the Assessing department.
When are taxes due if the September 14 or February 14 falls on a legal holiday or on a weekend day?
You have until the next business day to pay. For example, if
summer taxes are due September 14 and that
day falls on Saturday or Sunday, you could pay the next Monday
without having to pay penalties.
How come my escrow company said they
paid on one date, but your office doesn’t show it paid or it was
much later than when the escrow company said they paid?
Many mortgage/escrow companies use a
tax service company. The largest one is First American Real Estate
Tax Service. This company may hold payments and combine with other
mortgage companies before sending payments to the treasurer.
If my mortgage or escrow company doesn’t pay my taxes on
time, who is responsible for the interest and/or penalties?
Statute requires us to assign the interest and or penalties to
the parcel. In a case such as this, you would have to work out any
discrepancy with your mortgage or escrow company.
Independence Township Signature
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