City Treasurer Frequently Asked Questions

How are the taxes billed?
Taxes are billed by the calendar year. Summer taxes are billed in July and due on August 31 and winter taxes are billed in December and due on February 14 of the following year.

The summer taxes incorporate half of the Hillsdale Community School and Intermediate School District taxes, but have the full year of City, Library, County Operating and State EducationTax. The winter taxes has the second half of the Hillsdale Community School and Intermediate School District taxes, but have the full year of County Ambulance, Medical Care & Senior Center taxes.

Both summer and winter taxes are payable to the City of Hillsdale.

Why can’t I pay my taxes at City Hall after February?
The City of Hillsdale has to close the tax books at the end of February and can no longer accept real estate taxes. The rolls are turned over to the County to collect any delinquent real estate tax. All inquires on taxes after February need to be directed to the Hillsdale County Treasurer’s Office. We have no record of what gets paid once the tax roll is turned over to the County.

Who makes the decision on when taxes are due?
State of Michigan law dictates the summer and winter tax schedules. For some citizens, the bills are confusing because they show “fiscal year”. The city’s fiscal year is July 1 through June 30 of the next year. However, the taxes are calculated on a calendar year basis (January 1 through December 31). All local governments in Michigan have to close the tax books at the end of February and can no longer accept real estate taxes. The rolls are turned over to the County Treasurers’.

A few misconceptions:
“Can I get a discount for paying my taxes early?”
No, there are no discounts for early payment nor can the City accept tax payments via credit card at this time.

“I heard City employees don’t pay taxes.”
This is completely untrue. All government employees (whether City, County, State or Federal) are subject to all taxes just like everyone else.

“All this tax money goes to the City.”
Though the City collects the taxes, not all the money goes to the City. If you look at the breakdown provided on your tax bill, you will see which units of government get a share of your taxes. The County and school districts receive a larger portion of your property taxes than the City. Interest collected on delinquent summer taxes are split between all the units on you bill. Also, from time to time special millages may be levied for bonded debts, special assessments, etc.