Capitol News

The House Finance Committee recently began hearings on HB4799, known as the Post Mark Bill, which seeks to amend the General Property Tax Act in Michigan. The proposed change would align property tax payment rules with other state taxes by allowing a postmark to determine the payment date, rather than the date of receipt.

Currently, Michigan law considers property taxes late if they are not received by the due date. This approach differs from other state tax policies that use the postmark as proof of timely payment. Staffing shortages and delays in processing have become more common across Michigan, leading to concerns that taxpayers acting in good faith may face penalties for circumstances beyond their control.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has been actively supporting this legislative change. "The Michigan Chamber has been leading the effort on this commonsense change and testified on the need to protect Michigan business and taxpayers from fees and fines based on an antiquating taxing structure. We will continue to advocate for this issue with the Committee and push for a vote in the coming weeks," according to a statement from the organization.

Questions about this legislation can be directed to Randy Gross, senior director of legislative affairs and associate general counsel at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.