Advocacy News – Oct. 22, 2025
What’s new: Michigan property taxes are the only tax in the state that doesn’t utilize the postmark date (the “mailbox rule”) to determine when a payment is made. HB 4799 would modernize the process and align Michigan with most of the country.
Why it matters: Right now, a payment isn’t considered “received” until a local government employee physically collects and logs it — even if it was mailed on time.
- With part-time offices, hybrid staffing, and slower mail delivery, more taxpayers are being unfairly hit with late fees on payments they sent before the deadline.
- Even certified mail can be delayed or overlooked for days or weeks.
The bottom line: HB 4799 protects taxpayers from unnecessary penalties by treating property tax payments as on time if mailed at least five days before the due date — regardless of when they’re processed.
What we’re doing: The Michigan Chamber is advocating to move forward as part of our ongoing push to modernize and simplify Michigan’s tax system.
For questions or more information, contact Randy Gross.