Alger County Recorder Information

The County Clerk functions as Register of Deeds and is responsible for recording and maintaining records for real property located in Alger County.

These government fees are separate from any Deeds.com service fees. Confirm current charges with the recorder's office.

Regardless of the number of pages, all documents will cost $30.00 to record, this cost is inclusive of the Michigan Remonumentation and Register of Deeds Automation fees.

For a document that assigns or discharges more than 1 instrument $3.00 for each instrument assigned or discharged (in addition to the $30.00 flat fee).

If Michigan Transfer Tax applies to your document, it is due at the time of recording. There is no fee for filing a Real Estate Transfer Valuation Affidavit. However, Michigan statutes require a tax certificate for warranty deeds and land contracts, which costs $5 and must be obtained at Treasurer's Office.

The rate of Michigan state tax is $3.75 per $500 and under or fraction thereof. For current Alger County tax rates, contact the County Clerk / Register of Deeds.

Confirm current requirements with the recorder's office before submitting documents.

Documents must contain the following information and formatting:

* Original signatures, with corresponding names typed, stamped, or printed beneath all signatures, including that of the notary public

* The marital status of any male grantors

* The complete name and mailing address of the grantee

* The name and address of the person who drafted the instrument, which can be given in the following format: 'This instrument was prepared by.........'

* A legal description of the property

* The addresses of all parties

* A certified copy of the death certificate or proof of death for a conveyance stating 'survivor' in the grantor's section

* A blank margin of at least 2.5 inches on the top of the first page and at least 1/2 an inch on all remaining sides of each page

* A document title on the first line of printing on the first page (below the 2.5 inch top margin) stating the purpose of the document as simply as 'warranty deed' or 'quit claim deed'

* 10-point type and printed or typed in black ink

* Paper size of at least 8.5 x 11 inches, but no larger than 8.5 x 14

Real estate documents of conveyance must be acknowledged by a judge, clerk of the court of record, or notary public.


TRANSFER TAX AND TAX CERTIFICATES

A tax certificate must be obtained from the County Treasury office prior to recording a warranty deed, a deed containing a covenant of warranty, a land contract, or a purchaser's agreement of a land contract to an individual.

An instrument of conveyance that is subject to the tax imposed shall state on its face the total consideration of the real property, or a Real Estate Transfer Valuation Affidavit shall be filed.

Transfer tax imposed by each act will be collected unless the transfer is exempt from either or both acts and such exemptions are stated on the face of the document.

The tax shall be upon the seller or grantor.

The rate of Michigan state tax is $3.75 per $500 and under or fraction thereof. For current Alger County tax rates, contact the County Clerk / Register of Deeds.

Conveyances affecting real property situated in more than one county must state the portion of the sale price attributable to each parcel lying in the separate counties. Transfer tax must be paid to each county for that portion of the sale price.

Instruments must state that a Real Estate Transfer Valuation Affidavit is being filed.

For a complete list of exemptions, see supplemental forms.