Property owners of Independence Township should receive their 2004 winter tax bills in the first week of December.
Taxes are to be paid in full by Monday, Feb. 14, 2005. After that date, winter taxes may still be paid at the township, with a 3 percent late penalty.
After Feb. 28, all unpaid 2004 summer and winter taxes are considered delinquent and are turned over to the Oakland County Treasurer. No payments are taken at the township after this point.
Those planning to pay taxes before the end of the year shouldbe aware that the township hall is closed on Dec. 24, 27 and 31. Any payments made after 5 p.m. on Dec. 30 are posted paid in 2005.
Winter taxes traditionally cover county and township-approved millages. Special assessments and delinquent water/sewer bills over six months due are included.
This is the last winter bill to include all county millage. The county operating millage for the 2004 tax year is 4.19 mills. Next summer, the county general operating taxes will begin shifting to the summer tax bill.
This was passed by the state legislature and signed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to provide funding for all counties. This took place after state-shared revenue to counties was cut. The 2005 summer tax bill will include one-third of the county general operating levy. In 2006, two-thirds of the millage is included. In 2007, the full operating millage will be on the summer bill.
More information is available at www. michiganlegislature.org. Click public acts and enter Act Number 357 and the year 2004.