I received a postcard letting me know the Assessor is visiting my property, Can you explain more?
Will my taxes go up?
That depends. Your taxes only increase if something new has been added or changed that hasn’t been previously assessed. If the assessor visits and the property data matches what’s already on record, no increase should occur.
Below are common situations that can cause an increase:
New construction: A home, addition, garage, deck — even a shed.
Previously unrecorded improvements: A structure built years ago but never added to the assessment. (This can happen for many reasons, but by law, it must be added once discovered.)
Uncapping: This doesn’t involve a visit, but it’s a major reason for an increase. Under Michigan law, property becomes “uncapped” the year after purchase.
👉 Learn more about uncapping: Delta Violet Assessing FAQ
Does the Assessor Look for Things to Tax?
No. The assessor’s job isn’t to hunt for things to tax — it’s simply to make sure your property record is accurate.
Here’s the truth: We want to keep our job as simple as possible while being fair to you and your neighbors. Accurate records make that possible.
If everything matches what’s already on file, nothing changes.
If something new has been added, state law requires it to be included.
If something has been removed, that gets updated too.
Assessors don’t set tax rates or decide how much you pay. We just verify what exists so everyone is treated fairly.
Do I Need to Make an Appointment?
No — in most cases, you do not need to schedule an appointment. For routine exterior reviews, permit checks, or sales verification, the assessor can complete the visit without interrupting you.
Appointments are only needed when:
You want to be present
You prefer to walk through interior changes
There’s something specific you’d like to show or clarify
Most visits are quick, exterior-only, and don’t require any action from you. If you would like to be present. Please just let me know!
Why is the Assessor visiting?
There are a few reasons an assessor may stop by, and none of them automatically mean your taxes are increasing. Most visits are simply to verify property information so your record stays accurate and fair.
Common reasons for a visit include:
Routine data verification — making sure the property record matches what’s actually on site.
Recent permits — if you pulled a permit for construction, repairs, or improvements, a visit is required to confirm what was completed.
Sales verification — after a property sells, assessors often check that the listing and record information are correct.
Exterior changes — additions, demolitions, new sheds, decks, garages, or other visible changes.
Random review — Michigan law requires assessors to periodically review properties to maintain accurate assessments.
A visit is simply part of keeping the tax roll fair and up to date — not a signal that something is wrong.
Do I Have to Let the Assessor On My Property?
You are not required to allow an interior inspection, and you can decline a visit. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Exterior observations are still allowed from public areas or the right‑of‑way.
If we can’t verify something, we must estimate based on the best information available.
Estimates are not always in your favor — accurate data protects you just as much as your neighbors.
A quick visit often prevents misunderstandings and keeps your record fair and up to date.
The goal is never to inconvenience you — it’s simply to keep assessments accurate, consistent, and fair for everyone.