Find Property Tax Records in Canton Township
Canton Township property tax records are available online through the BS&A Online portal. The township is located in Wayne County and is one of the fastest-growing communities in southeast Michigan. Residents, buyers, and researchers can use the portal to look up parcel data, assessed values, and tax billing history for any property in Canton Township. This page explains how the search portal works, what the Assessor's office handles, and how to appeal your assessment if you think it is too high.
Canton Township Overview
How to Search Canton Township Property Tax Records
Canton Township uses the BS&A Online system for public property tax record searches. This is the same platform used by hundreds of Michigan municipalities. You can search by owner name, parcel number, or property address. The search results display assessed value, taxable value, ownership information, and tax billing history for each parcel. You do not need to register or log in to perform a basic search.
The Canton Township assessor contracts assessing services through WCA Assessing, led by Tracy Hayley. The township's property data is kept current through this arrangement, and the BS&A portal reflects that data. If you run a search and the result looks outdated, it may be because a recent transfer has not yet been fully processed. In those cases, contact the assessor's office directly at (734) 394-5120 to get the most up-to-date information on a specific parcel.
The screenshot below shows the Canton Township BS&A Online portal. Use this tool to search Canton property tax records without visiting the township hall.
The portal is maintained by the township and generally reflects current tax year assessment and billing data.
For in-person help, visit the Township Hall at 1150 S Canton Center Road. Staff can assist with parcel lookups, ownership questions, and exemption applications. You can also reach them at assessor@canton-mi.org. The township website at canton-mi.org has additional information about township services and contact options.
Canton Township Assessor's Office
The Canton Township Assessor is responsible for valuing all real and personal property in the township each year. Under MCL 211.1, all property in Michigan is subject to assessment. The assessor sets values based on market data and sends assessment notices to all property owners in February. The office also processes exemption applications, reviews Property Transfer Affidavits, and maintains the township's property records.
Assessing in Canton Township is handled by WCA Assessing under contract with the township. Tracy Hayley serves as the assessor of record. When you buy or sell property in Canton Township, the buyer must file a Property Transfer Affidavit (Form L-4025) with the assessor's office within 45 days of the transfer. This step is required and affects how your taxable value is reset after the sale.
| Office | Canton Township Assessor's Office (WCA Assessing) |
|---|---|
| Assessor | Tracy Hayley |
| Address | 1150 S Canton Center Rd, Canton, MI 48188 |
| Phone | (734) 394-5120 |
| assessor@canton-mi.org | |
| Online Search | canton-mi.org |
Property Tax Assessment in Canton Township
All Canton Township properties are assessed annually as of December 31 under MCL 211.30. State law requires assessment at 50% of true cash value. The Wayne County Equalization Department then reviews township assessments each spring to confirm they meet this standard. If the county finds a systematic deviation, it can adjust all township values up or down to bring them in line with state requirements.
Canton Township has grown quickly over the past two decades. That growth has pushed residential values up in many neighborhoods. The gap between assessed value and taxable value can be significant for long-term homeowners. Taxable value rises by no more than inflation or 5% each year, so owners who have held property for many years often have a taxable value well below their assessed value. When that property sells, the taxable value resets. The new owner's taxable value will equal the assessed value in the year after the sale. For buyers, this means taxes can jump substantially. Use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator before closing to understand what your post-purchase tax bill could look like.
The Michigan Treasury provides statewide guidance on assessment procedures. Canton Township assessors follow those rules when valuing each parcel within the township's boundaries.
Property Tax Exemptions in Canton Township
Canton Township homeowners can apply for exemptions that lower their property tax bill. The most common is the Principal Residence Exemption. Under MCL 211.7u, the PRE removes 18 mills from the school operating levy if the property is your primary residence. File Form 2368 with the Canton Township Assessor by June 1. If you move to a new home or your primary residence changes, you must file a rescission and reapply at the new property. The PRE is one of the most valuable tax breaks available to Michigan homeowners.
The Poverty Exemption is available for low-income homeowners who meet income and asset limits set by the township. To apply, file Form 5737 and Form 4988 with the assessor. The March Board of Review hears these requests. The board looks at income, household size, and assets when deciding each case. Canton Township may have its own income guidelines, so contact the assessor's office to get the current limits before applying.
Wayne County programs may also be available depending on your situation. Disabled veterans who have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA can apply for a full exemption from property taxes under Michigan law. Contact the assessor at (734) 394-5120 for details on all available exemption programs in Canton Township.
Appealing Your Canton Township Assessment
Canton Township property owners who disagree with their assessment have the right to appeal. The first step is the March Board of Review. This body meets each March and hears protests from owners who believe their assessed or taxable value is incorrect. You can appear in person or file a written protest before the deadline. Bring evidence: a recent sale price, an independent appraisal, or comparable sales of similar properties in Canton Township that sold for less than what your assessment implies.
If the Board of Review doesn't correct the problem, your next step is the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The MTT is the state-level body that resolves property tax disputes. For homestead property, the deadline to file at the MTT is July 31. For commercial and industrial parcels, it is May 31. The MTT number is 517-335-9760. Your rights throughout this process are protected by the Property Taxpayer's Bill of Rights under MCL 205.735. Appeal forms are available at the Township Hall at 1150 S Canton Center Road.
Note: Informal reviews with the assessor before the Board of Review session are often productive. Call the office at (734) 394-5120 to see if that option is available before filing a formal protest.
Property Tax Payments in Canton Township
Canton Township sends out two tax bills each year. Summer taxes are generally due in September. Winter taxes come due in February. Pay current-year taxes to the Canton Township Treasurer at the Township Hall on S Canton Center Road. The treasurer's office accepts payments in person, by mail, and may offer an online payment option. Check the township website at canton-mi.org for current payment methods and due dates.
Unpaid taxes become delinquent once they pass the local due dates. At that point, they are forwarded to the Wayne County Treasurer. The county handles all delinquent collections, sets up payment plans, and manages properties that have entered forfeiture. Interest and fees accumulate on delinquent balances. Under Michigan law, if taxes remain unpaid for three years, the property can be foreclosed. If you are behind on taxes in Canton Township, contact the Wayne County Treasurer as soon as possible to find out your options. Catching up early is almost always cheaper than letting delinquency run.
Wayne County Property Tax Records
Canton Township is in Wayne County. County-level property tax resources include the equalization office, Register of Deeds, GIS mapping tools, and the county treasurer. Visit the county page for full details.
Nearby Cities
These neighboring communities in southeast Michigan also have property tax records pages with local assessor information and search portal links.