LANSING (WKZO AM/FM)– Legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk that will make it a misdemeanor to claim a homestead property exemption on a Michigan property, if you are already claiming a similar exemption on a property out of state.
It’s a big problem in southwest Michigan where out-of-state residents who have a summer home attempt the duel declaration to avoid paying higher Michigan taxes.
Rep. Kim Lasata of Berrien County says they are breaking the law, and this would permit them to charge them as much as three years in back taxes. The higher 18-mill non-homestead levy is allocated to fund local school districts.
Violators could even face the misdemeanor charge if it can be proven it was intentional.
