Who must file a City of Big Rapids Income Tax Return?
Every resident and non-resident who had a gross income of $600.00 or more from sources listed under "What is Taxable Income" must complete and file a return, even though you do not file a Federal return. If you wish to claim a refund because the tax withheld or paid is more than the tax due, you must file a return. If you filed a Declaration of Estimated Tax, you must file a return even though there is no change in tax liability.
What are the voting precincts?
Please click on the following link for a map of the voting precincts:http://www.cityofbr.org/clerk/forms/voter_precincts.pdf.
What is considered taxable income?
A Resident is subject to tax on all items included in total Federal income (Subject to certain exclusions as listed in "What is Non-Taxable Income.").
Taxable income would include:
- Salaries, bonuses, wages, commissions, fees, vacation pay, profit sharing plan income, severance pay, tips, sabbatical pay, sick pay, and other compensation regardless of where earned.
- Fair market value of merchandise or services received as compensation.
- Net profit or loss from the operation of a business or profession or other activity regardless of where earned.
- Income from a partnership, interest from an estate or trust, bank accounts, credit unions, saving and loan associations and other income regardless of where earned.
- Rental income, capital gains, and dividends.
- Winnings from the State Lottery and all gamblings.
- Scholarship and Fellowship Grant taxable under Federal Revenue Code.
- Alimony received.
- Sub S Corporation within Big Rapids
When is yard waste picked up?
Yard waste is picked up on the first Monday in April and goes through the last Monday in November. Yard waste consists of grass clippings, leaves, twigs and small branches. Branches must be no larger than 3 inches in diameter and no longer than 4 feet in length. Branches must be tied in bundles weighing no more than 50 pounds per bundle.
A maximum of four bundles can be placed out each week. Leaves, grass clippings and twigs may be placed out for pick up in brown paper bags, card board boxes or in a separate trash container clearly marked "Yard Waste".
Yard waste containers shall not weigh more than 50 pounds per container. Yard waste bags are available for purchase in the Treasurer's Office. Stickers to designate a container for yard waste are also available in the Treasurer's Office at no cost. Yard waste will not be taken in plastic bags.
Yard waste pick up is in the same location as trash.
What is the due date of my tax return?
Your return is due on or before April 30 of the current year. The due date of Big Rapids annual returns may be extended for a period of not to exceed six months. When a City extension is granted, tentative tax must be paid by April 30 of the current year. Applications for extensions are available from the City Income Tax Department. Applying for a federal extension does not satisfy the requirement for filing a City extension an application for a Big Rapids extension must still be made and any tentative tax due must be paid.
Where do I report blight conditions or unkempt lawns/property?
That would be the Neighborhood Services Department and you can contact them at 231-592-4057 or by reporting an issue using the SeeClickFix app.
Who is responsible for clearing the snow and ice from a sidewalk?
Although the City attempts to plow all sidewalks after a snowfall, it is the responsibility of the property owner/occupant to remove the snow and ice.
The occupant of any premises, or the owner of any unoccupied premises, is required to keep the sidewalks in front of, or adjacent to such premises, cleared, so far as is practical and reasonable, from snow/ice to facilitate pedestrian use.
Accumulation of snow/ice shall be cleared within 12 hours.
I'm in need of a permit - Who do I call?
That depends on what permit you need. Most of our permits are available on our website.
The two main departments responsible for permits are the Public Works Department 231-592-4015 and the Neighborhood Services Department (231-592-4036 - rental permits, 231-592-4035 - Planning and Zoning permits).
Public Works is responsible for new/replacement water and sewer services and sidewalk or driveway construction.
Curb cuts on State Highways is the responsibility of MDOT, but the Public Works Department will assist you with this permit.
Neighborhood Services is responsible for zoning and rental permits.
Building permits are issued by Mecosta County and can be obtained in person at 14485 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or by calling 231-592-0105
Who do I contact to rent a pavilion in the City Parks and what is the cost?
Contact the Public Works Department at 231-592-4015.
Forms are available online and in the office.
Cost is $80/resident, $100/non-resident, $50 non-profits (event not open to the public) and Free to non-profits (event open to the public).
I have a water or sewer problem. Who do I call?
If you experience water or sewer problems, please contact the Public Works Department at 231-592-4015 between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. After hours, weekends or holidays, please contact Central Dispatch - Non Emergency - at 231-796-4811 and they will contact the City. Please do not call 911.
When do the winter parking regulations go in effect?
Winter parking regulations are in effect from November 15th thru March 15th. During this time, you may not park on any City street from 2:00 AM - 6:00 AM
I have a pile of tree limbs, leaves and other yard debris from the clean up we did over the weekend. Do you have a place where I can take this to?
Yard Waste is picked up every Monday from April through November in the same location as your normal trash pick up, Yard Waste consists of leaves, twigs and small branches. Branches must be no larger than 3 inches in diameter and no longer than 4 feet in length. Branches must be tied in bundles weighing no more than 50 pounds per each. Leaves, grass clippings and twigs may be placed out for pick up in brown paper bags, card board boxes or in a separate container clearly marked "Yard Waste". Yard Waste will not be taken in plastic bags.
What day is trash picked up in the City?
Trash and recycle are picked up on Mondays throughout the City.
If I want to have a special event in the City, what forms do I need and where can I find them?
The forms can be found in the Public Works Department or on the City website at www.cityofbr.org.
What are the guidelines for sanitation services for residential customers?
Items must be placed out for pickup by 6:00 am on Monday or after 6:00 pm Sunday night prior to pickup. All polycarts should be placed in the street or facing the alley with the lids facing the street. Polycarts should be placed at least a foot and a half from each other and not close to mailboxes, fences or anything that could obstruct the mechanical arm on the truck used for dumping the polycarts.
Garbage/Trash must be in the trash polycarts. Excess garbage/trash may be placed in trash cans or plastic bags next to the Trash Polycart
I am having a problem with a skunk, does the City have a trap that I can use?
Yes, the City does have a few live traps that can be loaned out. If you are in need of one, please contact the Public Works Department at 592-4015.
Are there any requirements for persons married filing an income tax return jointly or separately?
Married persons may file either a joint or separate return. Residents filing jointly must include all income of both spouses. Non-residents filing jointly must include Big Rapids earned income of both spouses. In the case of a non-resident, where only one spouse has Big Rapids earned income, you can claim your spouse as an exemption, however, both must sign the return. If you file jointly, both names must be listed in the heading and both must sign the return. If you file separately, dependents can only be claimed by the spouse who would be entitled to claim such dependents under Federal Internal Revenue Code.
I borrowed a live trap from the City and have caught something in it. What do I do now?
Please contact the Public Works Department at 592-4015. We will dispatch a few of our street department staff members to pick up the trap.
I have a large item that I need to throw away. How can I get this item removed and when will it be removed?
Large items left out for garbage pick up are scheduled for Wednesday of each week. To be sure your item is picked up, you would need to contact the City of Big Rapids Utility Department at 231-592-4010 or by reporting the issue under the SeeClickFix Application. PLEASE NOTE: Refrigerators will only be picked up if they are tagged notifying that they have had their freon removed.
I have a question regarding planting within the Public right of way. Who do I contact?
Planting within the public right of way (between the sidewalk and the curb) is controlled by the City. If residents have questions regarding planting trees and other plant materials, they should call the Public Works Department at 231-592-4015
What is the definition of a resident/non-resident?
A Big Rapids RESIDENT is a person domiciled within the Big Rapids City limits. "Domicile" means a place where a person has a true, fixed and permanent home. A NON-RESIDENT is a person domiciled outside the City limits.
I attend Ferris. Is there anything different about my income tax return?
Married students, living in Big Rapids, where one or both are attending Ferris, are considered residents, unless you are maintaining a permanent residence elsewhere. Single students, living in Big Rapids and attending Ferris are considered residents unless you are maintaining a permanent residence elsewhere (including parents home) or are registered to vote elsewhere.
I'm not entirely sure my first question was delivered but the ornamental grasses in the huge pots around town what do you do with them?
The ornamental grasses are taken out of the pots at the end of each season. New plants are then grown at a greenhouse for the next year. They are not perennials and would not live the winter.