Gaines Charter Township, Kent Co., Michigan: Treasurer

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Staff | Millage Rate Information | Tax Estimates

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About Us

The Treasurer, Linda Pieters, is the township banker. The treasurer’s office is made up of Linda and her deputy, Laurie Lemke. We collect and disburse all funds coming into the township according to the dictates of the township board and the law. We collect property taxes for all taxing jurisdictions within the township, and every two weeks disburse those funds to the appropriate taxing entity. We collect all fees and permit costs and apply them to the necessary departments to cover the cost of providing the services the township gives. We invest all excess funds so there is money available when a large capital item is needed. We print and mail all tax bills and follow the rules in place to protect the township’s funds. Linda is also a member of the Board of Trustees and has a vote on important issues that face our township. She serves on various committees which gather information and make recommendations to the board.

Treasurer and Staff

Linda Pieters

Township Treasurer/ Board Member

E-mail: linda.pieters@gainestownship.org

Laurie Lemke

Deputy Treasurer

E-mail: laurie.lemke@gainestown.org

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Millage Rate Information

Property taxes, which are billed and collected by Gaines Charter Township, are a combined collection of taxes levied by several different entities, shown on the millage rate table. Summer bills are mailed July 1 and are due in our office by September 14. Winter bills are mailed December 1 and are due in our office by February 14. Postmarks are not accepted as payment dates. Approximately 70% of the tax is billed in the summer and 30% in the winter. If all taxes, plus applicable interest and penalties, are not paid to our office by March 1, the taxes are turned over to the Kent County Treasurer for collection (except personal property).

View the current Gaines Charter Township Millage Rate Information

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Calculating your Tax

To calculate your property tax, use the formula (Taxable Value x Millage Rate = Tax). The millage rate can be determined by the chart below. Just find your school district, look down for the millage rate with Principal Residence Exemption or without Principal Residence Exemption, whichever applies to your property.

The taxable value of your property is determined by a formula and, in most cases, is limited by the rate of inflation. This number is calculated by the assessor and is reported to you on your assessment change notice, mailed in February. If you do not agree with your assessment, you will need to request a change from the Board of Review. You must contact your assessor early to request the change as the Board of Review meets early in March.

The millage rate is the total number of mills being levied divided by 1,000. Millage rates are calculated in the spring for the summer collection and in the fall for the winter collection. Millage rates vary from year to year due to a number of factors. Significant increases in millage rates are the result of voter approval, while decreases are often due to the expiration of a previously approved millage.

Property Tax Estimator and Millage Rates
from the Michigan Tax Department of Treasury

This approximate figure may not represent most current information.
Gaines Charter Township is not responsible or liable for any amounts of information provided.

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Tax Deferment

Summer taxes may be deferred until February 14 of each tax year if the household income from the previous year was less than $40,000 AND you qualify under one of the following classifications:

          o   Blind person
          o   Eligible Service Person or Veteran
          o   Eligible widow or widower
          o   Paraplegic or quadriplegic
          o   Senior Citizen (age 62 or older)
          o   Totally or permanently disabled

You must request this benefit each tax year before the summer tax due date. Contact the treasurer’s office for an Application for Deferment of Summer Tax.

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Principle Residence Exemption

Property owners who own and reside in a dwelling on the property are eligible for the Principal Residence Exemption. That exemption decreases your tax liability by the amount of school operating millage (18 mills). To be granted this exemption, you must file a Principal Residence Affidavit with the Assessing office when you move into your residence. Failure to file this Affidavit will result in you being billed for the school operating tax.

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Property Transfer Affidavit

When a property changes ownership in any way (including land contract sales, divorce, death of an owner, etc.), a Property Transfer Affidavit must be filed with the Assessing department of the township within 45 days. Failure to do so results in a $5.00 per day fee being charged to the new owners. The maximum on the fee is $200.00. However, if the change is not reported on a Property Transfer Affidavit for a year or more, the past and current taxes are affected, and the new owner will be responsible for paying back taxes which should have been charged at a higher rate, plus late fees from original due date and penalties.

Property Transfer Affidavit

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