Is there a statute of limitations in Michigan on property improvement and taxable valuation?

Question

Eight or nine years ago we finished our walkout basement. Recently the township assessor has asked to see the improvement and wants to re-establish our property value. We live in Michigan and have limits on taxable property increases.

Could we successfully challenge a related increase in our taxes?

Answer 1

Without thorough knowledge of Michigan tax law, I cannot respond with full accuracy. However, I have determined that your property tax limits are based upon valuation. You have managed to change your valuation, and I suspect strongly that you will not succeed with a challenge.

I would venture that you SHOULD have taken out a building permit when you performed the improvements to your residence. That is the normal 'red flag' used to generate an assessor visit to revalue the property. Given that you have managed to avoid the increased property taxes for the last eight or nine years, I would quietly accept those years as a free gift, and go along with the new tax valuation.