The bill amends the General Property Tax Act of 1893, specifically section 34c, to clarify the classification of assessable property in Michigan. It mandates that assessors classify every item of assessable property by the first Monday in March each year and requires them to transmit the tabulated assessed valuations to the county equalization department and the state tax commission. The bill introduces new definitions and clarifications regarding agricultural real property, including stipulations about contiguous parcels owned by the same taxpayer and the impact of wildlife risk mitigation actions on property classification.
Key changes include the rephrasing of certain terms, such as changing "shall" to "must" in various contexts, and the addition of provisions that clarify the classification of agricultural outbuildings and operations. The bill also establishes that properties engaged in direct marketing activities or agritourism events are presumed to be agricultural real property, shifting the burden of proof to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Additionally, it outlines the classifications of personal property and the process for disputing property classifications, ensuring that the assessment process remains consistent with the uniform percentage of true cash value as prescribed by the act.
Statutes affected: House Introduced Bill: 211.34