WHEREAS, the adoption of guidelines for poverty exemptions is within the purview of the township board; and
WHEREAS, the homestead of persons who, in the judgment of the supervisor and board of review, by reason of poverty, are unable to contribute to the public charges is eligible for exemption in whole or part from taxation under Public Act 390, 1994 as amended (MCL 211.7u); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to PA 390, 1994 as amended, Milan Township, Monroe County adopts the following guidelines for the supervisor and board of review to implement. The guidelines shall include but not be limited to the specific income and asset levels of the claimant and all persons residing in the household, including any property tax credit returns, filed in the current or immediately preceding year.
To be eligible, a person shall do all the following on an annual basis:
1) Be an owner of and occupy as a homestead the property for which an exemption is requested.
2) File an APPLICATION FOR PROPERTY TAX POVERTY EXEMPTION
claim form provided by Milan Township, with the Supervisor or Board of Review, accompanied by federal and state income tax returns for all persons residing in the homestead, including any property tax credit returns filed in the immediately preceding year or in the current year. The form must be completed completely for all asset tests to comply with Public Act 390, 1994 (MCL 211.u)
3) Produce a valid drivers' license or other form of identification if requested.
4) Produce a deed, land contract, or other evidence of ownership of the property for which an exemption is requested.
5) Meet the federal poverty income standards as defined and determined annually by the United States Office of Management and Budget
6) The applicant’s asset level, excluding the principal residence and one vehicle, may not exceed Federal guidelines for the current year of poverty threshold household income for 1 person.
7) The completed poverty exemption application must be filed after January 1, but before the day prior to the last day of the board of review in the year for which exemption is sought.
8) Any additional eligibility asset requirements as determined by the township board;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the board of review shall follow the above stated policy and federal guidelines in granting or denying an exemption, unless the board of review determines there are substantial and compelling reasons why there should be a deviation from the policy and federal guidelines and these are communicated in writing to the claimant.
The foregoing resolution offered by Board Member Supervisor Wittkop and supported by Board Member Trustee Dopkowski.
Upon roll call vote, the following voted
"Aye:" Supervisor Wittkop
Clerk Rock
Trustee Mancik
Trustee Dopkowski
"Nay:" none
The Supervisor declared the resolution adopted.
_________________________
Clerk
I, Margaret Rock, the duly elected and acting Clerk of Milan Township, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the township board of said township at the regular meeting of said board held on
December 13, 2007, at which meeting a quorum was present by a roll call vote of said members as hereinbefore set forth; that said resolution was ordered to take immediate effect.
_______________________________
Clerk
Resolution # 2007-12-13 #33
POVERTY EXEMPTION APPLICATION
