Tax Returns

Taxpayers are require to file at least an initial tax return of taxable property (both real and personal property) owned on January 1 of the tax year In Wayne County the time for filing returns is January 1 through April 1st. These returns are filed with the Tax Assessor and forms are availably in that office. The tax return is a listing of the property owned by the taxpayer and the taxpayer's declaration of the value of the property.

Once the initial return if filed, the law provides for an automatic renewal of that return each succeeding year at the value finally determined for the preceding year and the taxpayer is required to file a new return only as additional property is acquired, improvements are made to existing property, or other change occur. A new return, filed during the return period may also be made by the taxpayer to declare a different value from the existing value where the taxpayer is dissatisfied with the current value placed on the property by the board of tax assessors. This serves the purpose of establishing the taxpayer's appeal rights if the declared value is changed again by the board of tax assessors.