Is there a drop box at the Township Hall for after hours?
Yes, there is a drop box located to the left of the main entrance on the west side of the building. Please DO NOT put cash in the drop box.
Can I pay by phone or over the Internet?
In an effort to service you better and to provide more options while paying your taxes, you may now pay through the Charter Township of Independence's web site from July 1 through February 28th. Please remember that summer payments made after September 14th or winter payments made after February 14th do incur additional interest and/or penalties. To pay online, go to www.indtwptax.com. Most major credit and debit cards are accepted. Payments made on a weekend day or legal holiday will be posted on the next business day.
Independence Township does not currently accept payments by phone.
When can I expect to receive my summer tax statement?
Summer tax statements should be received by early July of each year. Summer taxes may be paid between July 1 and September 14 without interest or penalty.
When can I expect to receive my winter tax statement?
Winter tax statements should be received by early December of each year. Winter taxes may be paid between December 1 of the current year and February 14 of the following year without penalty and interest.
When is the last day I can pay my summer/winter taxes at the township?
The last day of February. Any unpaid taxes after that day are turned over to the county as delinquent. This is true for all Oakland County villages, cities and townships. Starting March 1, any unpaid taxes can only be paid at the County Treasurer’s office. Their phone number is 248-858-0611.
Should I notify anyone if I change who pays my taxes?
Yes. You should contact the Treasurer’s office at 248-625-5115. If you decide to pay your own taxes or if your escrow company changes, you need to let us know.
Should I receive anything about my taxes if an escrow company pays?
Yes. Although, we are not obligated to do so by law, we will send a customer copy to you as well as sending the payment copy to your escrow company. Your escrow company should send confirmation of paying and the balance in your account.
If I don't receive a tax bill, am I legally obligated to pay?
Yes. As unfair as some may think that is, the law clearly states the property owner is responsible even if they didn’t get a tax bill. You can access your tax statements as far back as 1994, at www.indtwptax.com. If you pay your own taxes, remember the July and December time frames.
How is it possible I wouldn't receive a tax bill?
Every attempt is made to make sure property owners receive their bill. Any returned tax bills are researched and hopefully sent out to the right address. Please contact our office if you don’t receive a bill in early July or early December.
What should I receive if I pay my own taxes?
You should receive a tax statement. If you pay in person at the township, please bring the whole tax statement with you. If you require a receipt we will staple that to the top portion of your statement. If you pay by mail, send only the payment or bottom portion of the statement with your check. If you want a receipt, please send the whole statement with a self-addressed stamped envelope to our township address for us to return it to you.
Is there any way I could delay paying my summer taxes without paying a penalty?
If you qualify, it is possible to defer summer tax payments until February 14th. Age, disability and income guidelines are listed on the back of your tax statement and the Deferment Application. You can access the Application for Deferment of Summer Taxes and the 2016 Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit forms by clicking on the Forms tab above. They are also available in the Treasurer’s office. You may fill out these forms and return them to the Treasurer’s office by September 14th. The Treasurer may also be able to assist you by working out a payment plan. The earlier you come in affords us the opportunity to come up with a better plan to suit your situation.
Do you accept postmarks?
No, Independence Township does not currently accept postmarks. Summer tax payments must be received by September 14th and winter tax payments must be received by February 14th. If paying by mail; please send out at least 7 to 10 days prior to the deadline due date. Payments received after the due dates will be subject to interest and/ or penalties.
Does the Township offer tax and assessment information on the website?
Yes. From the home page select the green tab on the right. Tax and Property information. You can search by parcel number, address or name.
Should I contact the Treasurer's office with a name/address change or a homestead affidavit?
You should contact the Assessing office with those requests. Each requires a form to be filled out and returned to the Assessing department.
When are taxes due if the September 14 or February 14 falls on a legal holiday or on a weekend day?
You have until the next business day to pay. For example, if summer taxes are due September 14 and that day falls on Saturday or Sunday, you could pay the next Monday without having to pay penalties.
How come my escrow company said they paid on one date, but your office doesn't show it paid or it was much later than when the escrow company said they paid?
Many mortgage/escrow companies use a tax service company. The largest two being Corelogic and Lereta. These companies may hold payments and combine them with other mortgage companies before sending payments to the treasurer.
If my mortgage or escrow company doesn't pay my taxes on time, who is responsible for the interest and/or penalties?
Statute requires us to assign the interest and or penalties to the parcel. In a case such as this, you would have to work out any discrepancy with your mortgage or escrow company.
