Hancock, MI · Houghton County
Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit
Property owners use this affidavit to claim a principal residence exemption by filing it with the assessor for the city or township where the property is located.
What this form is
This affidavit claims a principal residence exemption for an owner-occupied property and may exempt part of the local school operating taxes. The instructions say to file it with the city or township assessor by May 1 of the claim year. It asks for property identification and owner information, details about the residence, and the owner’s certification.
Who needs it
An owner who occupies a property as their principal residence and wants to claim the exemption should file this affidavit; renters should not file it.
How to submit it
Mail the completed form to the city or township assessor where the property is located, using the address on the latest tax bill or assessment notice. Do not send it to the Department of Treasury.
About notarization
This affidavit is signed and dated without a notary; its instructions mention a notarized or recorded land contract only as a way to establish ownership.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Affidavit
Download the Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit.
- 2
Complete The Form
Print or type in blue or black ink, complete the property and owner information, and use a separate form for each property number.
- 3
Sign And Date
Sign and date the certification; enter a different mailing address if applicable.
- 4
Mail To The Assessor
Mail the completed affidavit to the city or township assessor where the property is located, not to the Department of Treasury.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit?
- No. The affidavit asks the owner to sign and date it, but it has no notary block. The instructions mention a notarized or recorded land contract only as a way to establish ownership.
- Who should file this affidavit?
- An owner who owns and occupies the property as their principal residence may file to claim the exemption. The instructions say renters should not file this form.
- How do I submit the affidavit?
- Mail the completed form to the assessor for the city or township where the property is located. The mailing address may be on your most recent tax bill or assessment notice.
- What information does the form request?
- It requests the property tax identification number, property and owner details, information about other exemption claims, and the owner’s certification and signature.
Need something notarized?
This Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit doesn’t need a notary — but Michigan residents can notarize other documents online with a commissioned online notary.