LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – A statewide campaign is pushing to end property taxes in Michigan, a move supporters say would protect residents from losing their homes to unpaid tax bills. The petition, called Ax MI Tax, aims to place a citizens’ initiative on the 2026 ballot to abolish property taxes on homes, farms, and businesses.
Founder Karla Wagner says the proposal is about restoring what she calls “true homeownership” by ending what she describes as government overreach.
“We want to stop the theft of our property,” Wagner said. “Homeownership is also a right, and we are being forced out of our homes due to taxes for services we don’t even use.”
If passed, the measure would replace property tax revenue with existing state sources such as sales and income taxes. But critics warn the plan could come with steep consequences.
Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, says property taxes bring in about $22 billion annually, funding schools, police and fire protection, and local infrastructure.
“This doesn’t provide dollar-for-dollar replacement for that revenue,” Lupher said. “Without it, state and local governments would face multi-billion-dollar deficits and be forced to cut vital services.”
The petition needs more than 500,000 valid signatures by mid-2026 to qualify for the ballot. Supporters say momentum is building, but the debate over the financial impact is just beginning.
