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USPS Changed how POSTMARKS work 2025

Clearwater Township would like to inform residents of recent changes by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that may impact mailed tax payments.

📬 What Has Changed

The USPS has updated its mail processing procedures. Mail is no longer consistently postmarked at local post offices. Instead, postmarks are often applied at regional processing centers.

As a result:

  • Postmarks may be applied days after a payment is mailed
  • The postmark date may not reflect the actual mailing date
  • Delays in processing are outside of Township control

⚠️ What This Means for Tax Payments

Due to these changes, relying on a postmark as proof of on-time payment is no longer reliable.

To ensure timely credit of your payment:

  • Payments must be received by the Township on or before the due date
  • Mailing a payment close to the due date does not guarantee on-time delivery or processing
  • Requesting that your mail be post marked that day, does not guarantee that USPS will honor that request.

✅ Recommended Payment Options

To avoid late fees or penalties, residents are encouraged to:

  • Mail payments well in advance of the due date
  • Use in-person payment options
  • Utilize online or electronic payment methods

📌 Important Reminder

Clearwater Township is not responsible for delays caused by postal service processing. Residents are responsible for ensuring payments are received on time.



View, Print, Pay Property Taxes Online

Click Here

Making Payments


You can pay your property taxes using any of the following methods:

  • In Person: At the Township Hall during scheduled tax days (see tax bill)
  • Drop Box: Use the indoor or outdoor locked drop boxes at the Township Hall
  • By Mail: Send payments to:
    PO Box 68, Rapid City, MI 49676
  • Online: Pay using a credit or debit card through our secure website link above.

Checks must be made payable to "Clearwater Township"
If paying with cash, please bring the exact amount—we do not provide change.
Credit/debit card payments are not accepted in person yet (online only).


Paying Your Taxes Online

  • You must create an account and claim your parcel to view your property tax information
  • There is no fee to view your own property after claiming it
  • Once linked, you can:
    • View and print current and prior tax bills
    • Print payment receipts
    • Pay your taxes online with a credit or debit card
    • Contact us at taxes@clearwatertwp.com if you need assistance.

Clearwater Township no longer mails paper receipts. 

We can email receipts through BS&A Online.  

You may request a receipt of payment by emailing the Deputy Treasurer at taxes@clearwatertwp.com with your email address, full name, address and parcel number.

Due Dates
Note: If a due date falls on a weekend or government holiday, it is extended to the next business day.

Summer Taxes

  • Issued: July 1 (not necessarily mailed) If you haven't received a bill in the mail, please check online. 
  • Due: September 14 or the next business day.

Late Penalties:

    • September 15–30: 1% interest
    • October 1 and onward: Additional 1% added monthly
    • After February 14: 3% late penalty

Winter Taxes

  • Issued: December 1
  • Due: February 14 or the next business day

Delinquent Taxes

  • As of March 1, all unpaid taxes are turned over to the Kalkaska County Treasurer.
  • The Township will no longer accept payments after this date.
  • Payoff amounts must be obtained by calling 231-258-3310

Deferment of Summer Taxes

You may defer payment of summer taxes until February 16 without penalty or interest if:

  • Your household income is $40,000 or less, and
  • You meet one of the following conditions:
    • 62 years of age or older
    • Unmarried surviving spouse of someone 62 or older
    • Totally and permanently disabled
    • Blind
    • Paraplegic, hemiplegic, quadriplegic
    • Eligible veteran or eligible surviving spouse

Applications are available at the Township Office or under the Documents & Policies tab.
They must be returned by September 14 each year.
The Township Treasurer may require supporting documentation.

Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Policy

Payments returned for insufficient funds will be charged the following:

  • First Notice NSF: $30 fee
  • Second Notice NSF: $40 fee
  • Third Notice NSF: Referred to Township Attorney with notice of civil action per Act 236 of 1961

Address Changes

To update your mailing address, you must submit a Change of Address Form.

Land Splits & Land Use Questions

  • Land Splits, Parcel Combos, Lot Line Adjustments, Parcel Questions, Ownership Changes
    Contact Township Assessor Dawn Kuhns
    📞 231-409-1827
    ✉️ assessordawn@gmail.com
  • Tax Bills, Payments, Receipts and Address Changes

    📞 Deputy Treasurer DeeAnne Graczyk
     ✉️ taxes@clearwatertwp.com




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