Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs
E-Filing FAQs

Introduction

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) are intended for potential and current petitioners, respondents, and their representatives seeking information about the Tribunal and our processes and procedures, and are not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. The Michigan Tax Tribunal cannot provide parties legal advice or assistance. If you need legal assistance or advice, you should consult an attorney or other knowledgeable individual.

E-Filing Frequently Asked Questions

• What is e-filing?
• What are the requirements of e-filing?
• Is the e-filing system compatible with all browsers?
• Can one e-filing user account be used by multiple people?
• Can one e-mail address be used by multiple people?
• Am I required to electronically file my pleadings/documents?
• What can I file electronically?
• Why don't my cases show up in my "My Cases" section?
• I filed my petition with the Tribunal via electronic submission, how do I serve the petition on the appropriate parties?
• I filed my answer to the petition with the Tribunal via electronic submission, how do I serve the answer on the appropriate parties?
• How do I serve all pleadings/documents, other than the petition?
• Will the Tribunal dictate the means of service between parties?
• Will the Tribunal electronically serve orders, decisions, and other documents on the parties?
• Can the parties opt out of electronic service from the Tribunal once they have elected to e-file?
• How can I expect to receive electronically served documents and notices?
• Can I electronically file a document without an electronic/credit card payment?
• Will I receive confirmation that my pleading/documents were electronically filed?
• If I pay using a credit card, will I receive a receipt/confirmation of payment?
• What happens if the Tribunal grants my request for a refund or the Tribunal, on its own, determines I am entitled to a refund of a credit card payment?
• How do I view what has been electronically filed?
• Can I e-file some evidence and mail some evidence (i.e. e-file valuation disclosure but mail in photographs)?
• How can I e-file something and keep it confidential?
• Are proofs of service needed on electronically filed documents?
• How do I change my username and password if my contact information has changed or I have forgotten my username or password?
• What computer software is needed to participate in e-filing?
• What document formats are permitted (.doc, .pdf, .jpg)?
• When are documents submitted through e-filing considered filed by the Tribunal?
• Who can I contact if I have questions regarding e-filing?
• Are there size limits to e-filing attachments?

General Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL FAQs

• What is the Michigan Tax Tribunal?
• What is a Tribunal Member, an Administrative Law Judge, and a Hearing Referee?
• Can I call the Tribunal for assistance on my appeal?
• Where can I get a copy of the Tribunal Rules?
• Where can I find the Tax Tribunal Act?
• Where can I get a copy of the Michigan Court Rules?
• Where would I find a list of frequently used terms?
• What is the Tribunal's mailing address?
• How do I protect my privacy?
• Who is responsible for redacting documents?
• Can I request the Tribunal redact my previously-filed documents?
• Can I fax or e-mail my petition, answer, evidence or other documents to you?
• How do I update my contact information with the Tribunal?
• What if I need a disability accommodation to effectively participate in a hearing or the hearing process?
• Why does my docket number have an 'R' in it?
• Can the parties opt out of electronic service from the Tribunal once they have elected to e-file?
• How does the media request to attend a hearing?
• How do I file a complaint regarding my local assessor?
• How can I request assistance with speech or hearing in order to participate in or observe a hearing?
• How do I request a language interpreter for my hearing?

STARTING YOUR APPEAL

• Are there size limits to e-filing or e-mail attachments?
• How do I decide whether to elect the Entire Tribunal Division or Small Claims Division?
• What are the jurisdictional limits for the Small Claims Division?
• What is the Tribunal's procedure for a Small Claims matter?
• When should I file my petition?
• How does the Tribunal determine the filing date?
• How do I begin a case?
• Where do I file my appeal?
• Will you provide me with a copy of forms?
• Can I represent myself at the Tribunal or do I need an attorney?
• If I represent myself, what are my responsibilities?
• What will happen if I file an incomplete petition or file a petition without the required attachments?
• What can happen if I fail to comply with the Tribunal's orders?
• What are the Tribunal's fees for filing a petition or a motion in Small Claims?
• How do I pay the filing fees?
• Is there any way to have the fees waived?
• What happens after I file my petition?

AFTER A DOCKET NUMBER HAS BEEN ASSIGNED

• When do I have to file the answer?
• What will happen if I file an incomplete answer or file an answer without the required attachments?
• I have received a copy of the Small Claims answer form from the respondent. What do I do now?
• What is a hearing?
• When will the hearing be scheduled?
• Where will my hearing be held?
• How will I be notified of the hearing?
• What happens at a Small Claims hearing before the Tribunal?
• How can I prove to the Tribunal that my property assessment is excessive?
• What are the requirements for the submission of evidence in a Small Claims matter?
• What if I can't attend the hearing on the date on which it is scheduled?
• How do I withdraw my appeal?
• Can I resolve my case without a hearing?
• How do I request handicap parking for a hearing at the Tax Tribunal?
• Can a member of the public attend any scheduled in-person hearing?
• Are telephonic and video conference hearings open to the general public?

AFTER THE HEARING

• How long will it take to get a decision on my appeal?
• How do I find out the status of my appeal?
• After the hearing, may I provide the Tribunal additional information about my case?
• What if I am not satisfied with the decision?
• What if the respondent does not comply with the Tribunal's decision?
• How much is my tax refund?
• The Tribunal Ordered that I receive a refund, but it has not been issued. What should I do?
• I want to request a Transcript or Hearing Recording of a Small Claims Hearing, what should I do?