Washtenaw County Property Tax Records

Washtenaw County property tax records are maintained by the county Equalization Department in Ann Arbor. The county operates its own property search portal, GIS mapping system, and Register of Deeds database, giving property owners and researchers multiple ways to find parcel data, assessed values, and tax history. This guide explains how to access Washtenaw County property tax records online and in person, covers the offices involved, and describes the assessment, exemption, and appeal process in this southeast Michigan county.

How to Search Washtenaw County Property Tax Records

Washtenaw County maintains its own property search portal through the Equalization Department. You can find parcel data, ownership information, and assessment records at washtenaw.org/276/Equalization. The portal supports searches by owner name, address, and parcel ID and displays assessed values, taxable values, and other property data for all jurisdictions in the county. No account is required for basic lookups, and the system covers both townships and cities within Washtenaw County.

The county also provides GIS mapping tools at washtenaw.org/1504/GIS-Mapping. This system links parcel data to aerial photos, parcel boundaries, and location mapping. Using the GIS system alongside the property search portal gives a comprehensive view of any parcel in the county.

The screenshot below shows the Washtenaw County Equalization property search portal, the primary online tool for searching property tax records in the county.

For in-person assistance, the Equalization Department is at 200 N. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Director David E. Palmer and his staff can help with parcel lookups, assessment questions, and GIS data. Phone: 734-222-6700.

Washtenaw County Equalization Department

Director David E. Palmer leads the Washtenaw County Equalization Department. Under MCL 211.1, all Michigan property must be assessed at 50% of true cash value. Palmer's department reviews the assessment rolls submitted by each township and city in the county, compares reported values to recent sales data, and applies equalization adjustments to ensure compliance. Washtenaw County spans a mix of urban, suburban, and rural land, all of which must be assessed under the same standard.

The department handles exemption reviews, special assessment rolls, and maintains the county's parcel database and GIS infrastructure. Records are public and accessible during regular business hours. The Equalization Department is the right office to contact when you have questions about how your property was valued, which exemptions apply, or how the equalization process works in Washtenaw County.

The screenshot below shows the Washtenaw County GIS mapping system, which provides parcel boundaries and aerial imagery tied to property data.

The GIS system is especially useful for locating parcels near township or city boundaries where jurisdiction can be unclear.

Washtenaw County Register of Deeds

Register Lawrence L. Kestenbaum maintains all recorded real estate documents in Washtenaw County. Deeds, mortgages, liens, land contracts, and easements are filed here. The Register of Deeds provides public access to recorded instruments and certified copies on request. When property changes hands in Washtenaw County, the new owner must file a Property Transfer Affidavit (Form L-4025) with the local assessor within 45 days of the transfer date. This triggers the taxable value uncapping process required under Michigan law.

Online records search is available at washtenaw.org/1478/Search-Records. This portal covers recorded land documents for Washtenaw County and is a useful starting point for confirming ownership, checking for liens, and reviewing recorded history on a parcel. The office is at 200 N. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Phone: 734-222-2260. Michigan's standard recording fee is $30 per document, with copies at $1 per page and certified copies at $5.

Note: Buyers should confirm that the deed has been properly recorded and that the Property Transfer Affidavit has been filed before the 45-day deadline to avoid penalties and ensure correct taxable value treatment.

Property Tax Assessment in Washtenaw County

Property in Washtenaw County is assessed as of December 31 each year under MCL 211.30. Township and city assessors visit properties, evaluate market conditions, and set values for each parcel. The Equalization Department then reviews those values against actual sales to confirm they meet the 50% of true cash value standard. Assessment change notices go out in February each year. Owners who see a significant or unexpected change should contact their township or city assessor before the March Board of Review deadline.

Michigan's taxable value cap limits annual increases for existing owners to the lesser of inflation or 5%. This cap lifts when ownership changes. In the year following a sale, taxable value resets to equal the assessed value, which can mean a significant increase in property taxes. Buyers in Washtenaw County, especially those purchasing higher-value properties in Ann Arbor or other desirable areas, should use the Michigan Property Tax Estimator to understand what taxes will look like after the reset. The Michigan Treasury provides detailed guidance on statewide assessment rules.

Property Tax Exemptions in Washtenaw County

The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is the primary exemption for Washtenaw County homeowners. Under MCL 211.7u, the PRE removes 18 mills of school operating tax from qualifying primary residences. File Form 2368 with the local township or city assessor by June 1. The exemption continues automatically each year as long as you use the property as your main home. Given the relatively high property values in Washtenaw County, the PRE can represent substantial annual savings for eligible owners.

Agricultural property in the county's townships may qualify for the Agricultural Exemption under MCL 211.7v. Qualifying farm operations can receive significant tax reductions on eligible parcels. Contact the township assessor to confirm what qualifies and what forms to file.

The Poverty Exemption is available for lower-income homeowners who file Form 5737 and Form 4988 with the assessor before the March Board of Review. Disabled veterans and surviving spouses may also qualify for separate exemptions under state law. For a complete list of available programs, visit the Michigan Treasury property tax page.

Appealing Your Washtenaw County Assessment

Washtenaw County property owners who believe their property is overassessed can challenge the value. The first step is the March Board of Review at the township or city level. File a written protest or appear in person before the Board's deadline. Bring evidence such as a licensed appraisal, comparable sales data from nearby properties, or documentation of physical defects. The Board can lower your assessed value if the evidence supports it.

If the Board of Review result is not acceptable, you can petition the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The MTT handles statewide property tax appeals. Residential property appeals must be filed by July 31 and commercial appeals by May 31. The MTT's phone number is 517-335-9760. Your rights throughout the process are outlined in the Property Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, MCL 205.735.

Washtenaw County Property Tax Payments

Treasurer Catherine L. McClary manages delinquent property tax collections for Washtenaw County. Local townships and cities collect current-year taxes during summer and winter billing periods. Summer taxes are generally due in September and winter taxes in February, though each jurisdiction sets its own exact deadlines. Contact your local township or city treasurer for your specific due dates.

Once taxes become delinquent, they transfer to the County Treasurer each March. The Treasurer manages interest accrual, payment arrangements, and the forfeiture and foreclosure process for long-outstanding delinquencies. Contact Treasurer McClary at 734-222-6600 if you are behind on taxes or want to discuss a payment plan. Addressing delinquencies early limits interest charges and protects the property from moving into foreclosure proceedings.

Note: Washtenaw County follows Michigan's standard three-year delinquency rule. Taxes unpaid for three or more years may result in county foreclosure of the property.

Cities in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County includes Ann Arbor, which qualifies for its own page on this site. Ann Arbor is the county seat and one of Michigan's largest cities. Other communities include Ypsilanti, Saline, Milan, and Chelsea. Only Ann Arbor meets the population threshold for an individual city page. Property tax records for all areas in Washtenaw County are accessible through the county's equalization portal and GIS mapping system.

Nearby Counties

Washtenaw County borders these Michigan counties. Each has its own equalization office and property records system. If a parcel sits near a county boundary, confirm which county holds it before you search.