Search Roscommon County Property Tax Records

Roscommon County property tax records are available through the county Equalization Department and BS&A online portal. Property owners, buyers, and title researchers can search parcel data, view assessed and taxable values, and look up tax payment history for any parcel in the county. This page explains how to find Roscommon County property tax records online and in person, who manages them, and what to do if you disagree with your assessment.

How to Search Roscommon County Property Tax Records

Roscommon County uses the BS&A Online platform for public access to property tax records. This portal lets anyone search by owner name, parcel number, or property address. The results include assessed value, taxable value, legal description, and tax payment history. No account is needed for a basic parcel lookup. The system is fast and covers all townships in the county, so one search handles any location in Roscommon County.

The screenshot below shows the BS&A property search portal used by Roscommon County. This is your starting point for finding property tax data online.

If you prefer to search in person or have a question the portal cannot answer, the Equalization Department is at 500 Lake St., Roscommon, MI 48653. The phone number is 989-275-8121. Staff can pull parcel records and discuss assessment questions during regular office hours. The Register of Deeds at the same address handles recorded land documents and can be reached at 989-275-5923. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Roscommon County Equalization Department

The Equalization Department is responsible for overseeing assessment accuracy across all of Roscommon County's townships. Under MCL 211.1, all real and personal property in Michigan must be assessed at 50% of its true cash value. The Equalization Director studies sales data each year and reviews the values set by township assessors. If assessments are too high or too low, the county adjusts them through an equalization multiplier.

The office also maintains the county's parcel database and works with local assessors on exemption applications and special assessment rolls. If you have a general question about how your property was valued or what programs you may qualify for, the Equalization Department is the right place to call. Most property records held by this office are public and available during business hours.

Roscommon County Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds records all real estate instruments in Roscommon County, including deeds, mortgages, land contracts, easements, and liens. When property is sold or transferred, the new owner must file a Property Transfer Affidavit (Form L-4025) with the local township assessor within 45 days of the transfer. The Register of Deeds can confirm recorded documents and provide certified copies as needed.

The standard recording fee in Michigan is $30 per document. Copies cost $1 per page and certified copies are $5 each. Recorded land documents are an important part of the property tax record picture because they establish ownership, legal descriptions, and any encumbrances that affect value. The Register of Deeds is at 500 Lake St., Roscommon, MI 48653 and can be reached at 989-275-5923.

Note: Timely filing of the Property Transfer Affidavit ensures the taxable value uncaps correctly after a sale, as required by Michigan law.

Property Tax Assessment in Roscommon County

Property in Roscommon County is assessed as of December 31 each year under MCL 211.30. Township assessors set values and send assessment change notices each February. Owners who see a change should review the notice closely. The notice shows assessed value, taxable value, and the prior year comparison.

Michigan law caps taxable value at the previous year's taxable value plus inflation or 5%, whichever is less, for as long as the same owner holds the property. When ownership changes, that cap lifts and taxable value resets to match the assessed value in the following tax year. This can lead to a significant tax increase after a sale. Prospective buyers in Roscommon County can use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator to get a clearer picture of what to expect.

Roscommon County includes a large amount of lake-front and recreational property. These parcels can see higher assessed values due to waterfront premiums. Township assessors apply the same 50% standard to these properties, but the underlying market values can shift significantly based on seasonal demand and sale prices on nearby lakes.

Property Tax Exemptions in Roscommon County

Roscommon County property owners can apply for several exemptions that reduce taxes. The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is the most widely used. Under MCL 211.7u, the PRE removes 18 mills of school operating tax from qualifying primary residences. File Form 2368 with your township assessor by June 1 to claim it. The exemption renews automatically each year as long as you continue to use the property as your main home.

Agricultural land in Roscommon County may qualify for the Agricultural Exemption under MCL 211.7v. Qualifying farm operations can receive meaningful tax relief. The property must meet the legal definition of agricultural use to qualify. Ask the township assessor what documentation is needed for the application.

Low-income homeowners can apply for the Poverty Exemption by filing Form 5737 and Form 4988 with the township assessor before the March Board of Review. Disabled veterans and surviving spouses may also qualify for state-mandated exemptions. The Michigan Treasury property tax page lists all available exemptions and eligibility rules.

Appealing Your Roscommon County Assessment

Property owners in Roscommon County who disagree with their assessed value have the right to appeal. The first step is the March Board of Review at the township level. You must appear in person or file a written protest before the Board's deadline. Bring evidence of your property's value, such as a licensed appraisal or recent sales of similar parcels in the area. The Board can adjust your value if the evidence supports it.

If the Board of Review does not resolve your concern, the next step is the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The MTT hears property tax appeals from across the state. For residential cases, the deadline to file is July 31. Commercial cases must be filed by May 31. The MTT number is 517-335-9760. Your rights during this process are protected under the Property Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, MCL 205.735.

Roscommon County Property Tax Payments

Treasurer Marcie Dankert manages delinquent property tax collections for Roscommon County. Summer taxes are typically due in September and winter taxes in February, though townships set their own exact deadlines. Contact your local township treasurer for payment dates specific to your parcel.

After taxes go delinquent, they transfer to the County Treasurer's office. The Treasurer handles payment plans and oversees the forfeiture and foreclosure process for properties with long-standing unpaid taxes. Reach the Roscommon County Treasurer at 989-275-7691. Acting early on delinquent taxes saves money on interest and fees, and prevents the property from entering the foreclosure process. Visit the county website at roscommoncounty.net for more information on payment options.

Note: Interest and administrative fees on delinquent taxes in Michigan add up quickly, so addressing unpaid balances as soon as possible reduces the total amount owed.

Cities in Roscommon County

Roscommon County is a rural county in northern Michigan known for Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake. The county seat is the Village of Roscommon. Other communities include Houghton Lake, Prudenville, and St. Helen. None of these communities meet the population threshold for individual city pages. Property tax records for all areas in Roscommon County are handled through the county Equalization Department and the BS&A online portal.

Nearby Counties

Roscommon County borders several other northern Michigan counties. Each has its own equalization office and property tax records system. If a parcel sits near a county line, confirm which county holds it before searching.