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Board adopts 2026 poverty-exemption guidelines expanding income eligibility to 175% of federal poverty levels
Summary
The township adopted poverty-exemption policy for 2026 under PA 253 of 2020, setting income thresholds at up to 175% of federal poverty guidelines for graduated exemptions (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%) and asset-test limits of $25,000 (one person) and $35,000 (two or more).
The Waterford Township Board on Jan. 12 adopted the townships 2026 poverty-exemption policy and guidelines consistent with Public Act 253 of 2020 (MCL 211.7u). The action updates income and asset thresholds used by the Assessor and Board of Review to determine eligibility for partial or full property-tax exemptions for qualifying homeowners.
Under the adopted policy the board set income guidelines at up to 175% of the federal poverty levels and detailed tiered thresholds for 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% reductions in taxable value. The packet lists the 2026 thresholds for family units of one through eight and specifies an asset test that excludes the claimants principal residence and one vehicle; qualifying households may not exceed $25,000 in assets for one person or $35,000 for two or more persons. The policy requires applicants to file State Form 5737 and provides that the Board of Review will apply the stated income and asset criteria when evaluating claims.
Chief Assessor Paula Moore presented the guidelines and described the statutory changes that prompted the update. Trustees approved the resolution unanimously.
The policy clarifies how taxable-value reductions are calculated and preserves the Board of Reviews authority to grant 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% reductions where applicants meet the criteria. The board directed staff to implement the guidelines for the 2026 tax year.
