Naaman A Al-Khafaji, Petitioner V City Of Dearborn, Respondent

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR 

 

 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760 

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906 

Naaman A Al-Khafaji, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

Petitioner, 

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION 

 

v 

 

MTT Docket No. 25-003646 

 

City of Dearborn, 

 

Presiding Judge 

Respondent. 

 

Patricia L. Halm 

 

ORDER OF DISMISSAL 

 

The Tribunal has considered the file in this case and finds that Petitioner was placed in 

default on October 23, 2025, because they failed to file a copy of the notice giving rise 

to the appeal, i.e., Board of Review (BOR) decision.1 On November 24, 2025, the 

Tribunal extended the time for Petitioner to cure the default by an additional 14 days 

and they failed to respond. Petitioner has not complied with either order, and the latter 

stated that “failure to comply with this Order may result in the dismissal of the case” and 

referenced Grimm v Dep’t of Treasury.2 In Grimm, the Michigan Court of Appeals 

summarized factors that the Tribunal should consider before imposing the sanction of 

dismissal. Those factors are: 

 

(1) whether the violation was wilful or accidental; (2) the party's history of 

refusing to comply with previous court orders; (3) the prejudice to the 

opposing party; (4) whether there exists a history of deliberate delay; (5) the 

degree of compliance with other parts of the court's orders; (6) attempts to 

cure the defect; and (7) whether a lesser sanction would better serve the 

interests of justice.3 

 

Here, Petitioner’s failure to comply with multiple orders has established a history of 

deliberate delay. As a result, after giving careful consideration to the factors involved 

and considering all options in determining what sanction is just and proper, the Tribunal 

finds that dismissal is appropriate, and a lesser sanction would not be appropriate in 

light of Petitioner’s history of noncompliance in this case. 

 

Therefore, 

 

IT IS ORDERED that this case is DISMISSED. 

 

1 On November 7, 2025, Petitioner attempted to respond to the Order of Default by filing a new appeal, 

docketed as MTT Docket No. 25-003777. However, this attempt to cure the default was incomplete as 

Petitioner merely filed another petition that did not include a copy of the BOR decision. On December 15, 

2025, MTT Docket No. 25-003777 was dismissed as a duplicate appeal. It is noted that even if this 

appeal was not dismissed as a duplicate appeal, it would have been dismissed as untimely. 

2 Grimm v Dep’t of Treasury, 291 Mich App 140 (2010). 

3 Id. at 149.

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003646 

Page 2 of 2 

 

This order resolves all pending claims in this matter and closes this case. 

 

APPEAL RIGHTS 

If you disagree with the final decision in this case, you may file a motion for 

reconsideration with the Tribunal or a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of 

Appeals. 

 

A motion for reconsideration must be filed with the Tribunal with the required filing fee 

within 21 days from the date of entry of the final decision. Because the final decision 

closes the case, the motion cannot be filed through the Tribunal’s web-based e-filing 

system; it must be filed by mail or personal service. The fee for the filing of such 

motions is $50.00 in the Entire Tribunal and $25.00 in the Small Claims Division, unless 

the Small Claims decision relates to the valuation of property and the property had a 

principal residence exemption of at least 50% at the time the petition was filed or the 

decision relates to the grant or denial of a poverty or disabled veterans exemption and, 

if so, there is no filing fee. You are required to serve a copy of the motion on the 

opposing party by mail or personal service or by email if the opposing party agrees to 

electronic service, and proof demonstrating that service must be submitted with the 

motion. Responses to motions for reconsideration are prohibited and there are no oral 

arguments unless otherwise ordered by the Tribunal. 

 

Alternatively, you may file a claim of appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. If the 

claim is filed within 21 days of the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal of right.” If 

the claim is filed more than 21 days after the entry of the final decision, it is an “appeal 

by leave.” A copy of the claim of appeal must be filed with the Tribunal to certify the 

record on appeal. There is no certification fee. 

 

 

Entered: December 15, 2025 

 

 

By _____________________________ 

kac 

 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

 

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives. 

 

By: Tribunal Clerk

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL

MOAHR DOCKET NO. 

Do not use this form to appeal Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Special Assessment, or Non-Property tax 

disputes.

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 277(3), you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (e.g. Board of Review 

Decision or Notice of Uncapping) with this Small Claims Petition, if applicable. If you do not submit this document, you may be held in default.

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information

Filer Type: Individual 

First Name

Naaman

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name

Alkhafaji

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

5922 Orchard Ave

City or Town

Dearborn

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48126

Telephone Number

3133759980

Fax Number

E-mail Address

amwar313@gmail.com

Section 2: Petitioner’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

M.I.

Last Name

Firm Name (if any)

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

City or Town

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

Fax Number

E-mail Address 

Section 3: Subject Property Information

How many parcels are you appealing?

1

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

 *If no, you must file separate appeals for each non-contiguous or non-adjoining parcel.

Property Address (No., Street, City, ST, ZIP) [If multiple, list first property’s address]

5922 Orchard Avenue

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Dearborn

Michigan

48126

Taxing Authority (City or Township)

City Of Dearborn (WAYNE)

County 

Wayne

Section 4: Issues Being Appealed (check all that apply)

Poverty Exemption

 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal

I am submitting a copy of my 2025 Poverty Exemption Denial Notice

to cure the default as ordered on October 23, 2025.

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues

Year(s) you are appealing:

2025

Did you protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? 

If Yes, check which BOR you attended AND upload the BOR decision: 

If No, check the applicable reason(s):

Did you request a Poverty Exemption at the BOR? No

If Yes, check which BOR considered your application AND upload the BOR decision: 

 March  July  December

If No, explain why:

Not required to attend

Section 7: Valuation Information *Use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels.

Parcel Identification Number: 

Classification of Property:

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR:

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)?

 

Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value).

If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value.

Section 8: Classification Information *Only the MI Dep’t of Treasury may appeal this issue to the Tribunal*

Parcel Identification Number:

 

Current Classification of Property as established by Board of Review:

What do you believe is the property’s classification?

If improved property, how is the property currently being used?

If improved property, for what use was the property designed?

Fee Information

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition?

Yes

Are you appealing ONLY the denial of a Poverty Exemption?

Yes

If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, you are not required to pay any filing fees.

The filing fee is based on the greater of the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention. If you are appealing more than one parcel, the parcel with the 

highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus $25.00 will be added for each additional parcel being 

appealed, not to exceed a total filing fee of $1,000.

If your property is residential property (see MCL 205.762) and

the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Filing Fee is:

$100,000.00 and under $125.00

$100,000.01 to $500,000.00 $200.00

$Over $500,000.00 $300.00

If your property is NOT residential property (see MCL 205.762) and

the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: Filing Fee is:

$100,000.00 and under $250.00

* Plus $25.00 for each additional parcel, as indicated above.

If your property is NOT residential property and the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is $100,000.01 or greater the appeal does not qualify for 

Small Claims. Therefore, an Entire Tribunal petition must be filed.

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Petitioner or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Naaman Alkhafaji

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Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

GOVERNOR 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

DIRECTOR 

 

 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760 

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906 

Naaman A Al-Khafaji, 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

 

Petitioner, 

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION 

 

v 

 

MTT Docket No. 25-003646 

 

City of Dearborn, 

 

Presiding Judge 

Respondent. 

 

Patricia L. Halm 

 

ORDER EXTENDING TIME FOR PETITIONER TO CURE DEFAULT 

 

The Tribunal has considered the file in this case and finds that it entered an order 

holding Petitioner in default on October 23, 2025, because Petitioner failed to file a copy 

of the notice giving rise to the appeal, i.e., Board of Review (BOR) decision.1 Petitioner 

was required to cure the default by obtaining a copy of the decision from Respondent 

and then submitting a copy of the decision to the Tribunal within 14 days. Petitioner has 

had ample time to comply, yet has failed to respond or submit the required filings. 

Though the Tribunal finds an extension of time to cure the default appropriate, 

Petitioner’s failure to comply with Tribunal orders and its Rules of Practice and 

Procedure has established a history of deliberate delay that would justify dismissal of 

the case for failure to timely comply with this order.2 Therefore, 

 

IT IS ORDERED that the time for Petitioner to cure the default is EXTENDED. 

 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Petitioner must complete the following to cure the 

default: (1) file a copy of the BOR decision , (2) file a Motion to Set Aside Default, and 

(3) file proof the motion was served on Respondent. The foregoing must be filed with 

the Tribunal within 14 days of the entry of this order.3 

 

 

1 The order further stated, “Failure to comply with this order will result in the defaulted party being 

required to file a motion to set aside the default (with appropriate filing fee).” 

2 See Grimm v Dep’t of Treasury, 291 Mich App 140 (2010). 

3 “A submission by mail is considered filed on the date indicated by the United States Postal Service 

postmark on the envelope containing the submission. A submission without a postmark or with an illegible 

postmark is considered filed on the date the submission is received by the tribunal. A submission by 

commercial delivery service is considered filed on the date the submission is given to the commercial 

service for delivery to the tribunal as indicated by the receipt date on the package containing the 

submission. A submission by personal service is considered filed on the date the submission is received. 

A submission through the tribunal’s e-filing system by 11:59 p.m. on a business day is considered filed on 

that business day. A submission by email to the email address designated by the tribunal by 11:59 p.m. 

on a business day is considered filed on that business day. A submission on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a 

holiday is considered filed on the following business day, as provided by section 35a of the tax tribunal 

act, MCL 205.735a.” TTR 225(5).

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003646 

Page 2 of 2 

 

Failure to comply with this order may result in the dismissal of the case, as provided by 

TTR 237.4 

 

 

 

Entered: November 24, 2025 

 

 

By _____________________________ 

kac 

 

PROOF OF SERVICE 

 

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives. 

 

By: Tribunal Clerk 

 

 

 

 

4 See also MCL 205.732.

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Naaman A Al-Khafaji,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

City Of Dearborn,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF FILING

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims answer has been filed and the electronic copy of the 

answer can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup on the Tribunal’s website. 

Unless Respondent was defaulted, this case is ready to be scheduled for a Small 

Claims hearing and will be scheduled in the normal course of scheduling. You will 

receive a Notice of Hearing from the Tribunal by e-mail if you have identified an email 

address in the petition or other documentation. The Notice of Hearing will inform you of 

the date, time, and location of your hearing (note that your hearing will likely be 

conducted by telephone). Please read the Notice of Hearing as it includes important 

information.

EVIDENCE: Parties are required to submit all evidence to the Tribunal and send a copy 

to the opposing party at least 21 days before the hearing date even if the documents 

had been submitted to the local Board of Review or the Michigan Department of 

Treasury. If the documents are not timely submitted to the Tribunal and served on the 

opposing party, the documents may be excluded. Documents may be filed with the 

Tribunal by mail or through the Tribunal’s e-filing system. Documents may be sent to the 

opposing party by mail or by e-mail, if the parties agree to service by e-mail.

Users who file documents with the Michigan Tax Tribunal are advised that filed 

documents are public records and will appear for public viewing on the Tax 

Docket Lookup. Users who file documents are responsible for ensuring sensitive or 

personal identifying information is withheld or redacted. See TTR 209. If a user wishes 

to file a document for consideration by the Michigan Tax Tribunal and prevent its 

publication on the Tax Docket Lookup, the user MUST file a Motion for Protective Order 

under MCR 2.302(C)(8). If a Protective Order is issued, documents covered by the 

Order will not be published. Documents filed prior to the issuance of a Protective Order 

will be published.

The responsibility for excluding or redacting personal identifying information (PII) from 

all documents filed with or offered to the Tribunal rests solely with the parties and 

their attorneys. The Tribunal is not responsible for or required to review, redact, or 

screen documents at the time of filing for PII whether filed electronically or on paper. A 

party, representative, or interested person (i.e. third party not part of an appeal) may 

request that the Tribunal redact PII contained in a previously-filed document by

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

Page 2 of 7

submitting a Request for Redactions. The Request for Redactions form will be 

available on the Entire Tribunal and Small Claims pages of our website. 

Alternate Dispute Resolution Options

INFORMAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE: Parties have the option of handling this 

case through an informal settlement conference. An informal settlement conference 

is a meeting between the parties and/or their representatives to discuss the issues in a 

case in an effort to settle the case. This process may be an alternative to a hearing with 

a judge and may result in the parties’ filing a Joint Stipulation for Entry of Consent 

Judgment. Visit the Tribunal’s ADR webpage for more information.

NOTE: The parties may not request an informal settlement conference to discuss an 

appeal of a principal residence exemption that was denied by either the Michigan 

Department of Treasury or a County. Also, state taxes levied by the Michigan 

Department of Treasury, such as income taxes, are not subject to the informal 

settlement conference process.

MEDIATION: Parties have the option of handling this case through mediation. 

Mediation is a voluntary process where a mediator facilitates communication between 

the parties, assists in identifying issues, and helps explore solutions to promote a 

mutually acceptable settlement. This process may be an alternative to a hearing with a 

judge and may result in the parties’ filing a Joint Stipulation for Entry of Consent 

Judgment. Visit the Tribunal’s ADR webpage for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Tribunal by phone at (517) 335-9760 or 

email taxtrib@michigan.gov.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Entered: November 21, 2025

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Page 3

Naaman A Al-Khafaji

5922 Orchard

Dearborn , MI 48126

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Naaman A Al-Khafaji,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

City Of Dearborn,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF FILING

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims answer has been filed and the electronic copy of the 

answer can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup on the Tribunal’s website. 

Unless Respondent was defaulted, this case is ready to be scheduled for a Small 

Claims hearing and will be scheduled in the normal course of scheduling. You will 

receive a Notice of Hearing from the Tribunal by e-mail if you have identified an email 

address in the petition or other documentation. The Notice of Hearing will inform

Page 5

MTT

Page 6

S

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL ANSWER FORM

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL

MOAHR DOCKET NO. 25-003646

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information

Filer Type: Local Unit of Government City Of Dearborn (WAYNE)

First Name

M.I.

Last Name/Company Name/Unit of Government

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

City or Town

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

Fax Number

E-mail Address

Section 2: Respondent’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information

First Name

Michele

M.I.

Last Name

Sant Angelo

Firm Name (if any)

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route)

16901 Michigan Ave.

Suite 5

City or Town

Dearborn

State

Michigan

ZIP Code

48126

Telephone Number

313-943-2474

Fax Number

E-mail Address

msantangelo@dearborn.gov

Section 3: Subject Property Information

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of 50% or more? 

Are the parcels listed by Petitioner contiguous or adjoining? If not, list which parcels adjoin one another.

N/A 

Section 4: Explain Your Answer to this Appeal

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 277(3), you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (e.g. Board of Review 

Decision, Notice of Uncapping, or Assessment Change Notice) with this Small Claims Answer, if applicable. If you do not submit this 

document, you may be held in default.

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Respondent will verify and review all pertinent information as well as provide further evidence, if needed, prior to the hearing.

Attachments: Property record card, assessment change notice, 2025 poverty exemption guidelines, poverty exemption worksheet, board of review decision letter, 

petitioners poverty and proof of service. 

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE TRUE CASH AND/OR TAXABLE VALUES

Did Petitioner protest the assessment at a Board of Review (BOR)? 

If yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended: 

If no, was the Notice of Assessment properly sent to Petitioner prior to the March BOR? *Submit a copy of the Notice of Assessment with the Answer.

If the July or December BOR revised the assessment(s) at issue, did it have authority? 

If yes, cite the Board’s authority.

Was the assessment(s) at issue established as the result of a clerical error or mutual mistake of fact? 

If yes, explain.

Is Petitioner appealing from a State Tax Commission Order? 

If so, what is the issue date?

Michigan

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE UNCAPPING OF TAXABLE VALUE

When was the Notice of Uncapping, if applicable, issued?

Under what statutory section was the Taxable Value uncapped?

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE DENIAL OF A POVERTY EXEMPTION

Did Petitioner request a Poverty Exemption at a BOR? Yes

If Yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended: July

List the date the BOR denied Petitioner’s Poverty Exemption:

07/22/2025

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE DENIAL OF AN EXEMPTION 

OTHER THAN POVERTY, PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE, OR QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTIONS

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

ORLENE HAWKS

DIRECTOR

Did Petitioner request the exemption at the BOR? 

Yes

If Yes, check which BOR Petitioner attended:

July

Tax Year(s) denied:

List the date the exemption was denied:

What statutory section did Petitioner request the subject property be exempt?

IF PETITIONER IS APPEALING THE CLASSIFICATION OF PROPERTY

What do you believe the classification should be: 

Real

Residential

Section 6: Valuation Information *Use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels.

Parcel Identification Number:

82-10-073-23-005

Classification of Property:

Real 

Residential

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR:

187,300

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR:

187,300

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)?

374,600

Multiply the True Cash Value by. 5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value.

187,300

If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value. 

187,300

Electronic Signature *Typing your name below will serve as your signature

Respondent or Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Signature: 

/s/ Michele Sant Angelo

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Naaman A Al-Khafaji,

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v

 

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

City Of Dearborn,

Respondent.

ORDER OF DEFAULT

The Tribunal has reviewed the file in the above-captioned case and finds that:

Petitioner did not submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (i.e., notice of 

action taken by Board of Review, uncapping notice, PRE denial notice, final assessment 

notice, etc.), as required by TTR 279. As such, Petitioner must submit the notice within 

14 days of the entry of this order.

Therefore,

IT IS ORDERED that Petitioner is HELD IN DEFAULT.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the defaulted party shall cure the default, as indicated 

above, within 14 days of the entry of this order.i 

Failure to comply with this order will result in the defaulted party being required to file a 

motion to set aside the default (with appropriate filing fee).

By:_______________________________

Entered: October 23, 2025

Patricia L. Halm, Tribunal Chair

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

i “A submission by mail is considered filed on the date indicated by the United States Postal Service 

postmark on the envelope containing the submission. A submission without a postmark or with an illegible 

postmark is considered filed on the date the submission is received by the tribunal. A submission by 

commercial delivery service is considered filed on the date the submission is given to the commercial 

service for delivery to the tribunal as indicated by the receipt date on the package containing the 

submission. A submission by personal service is considered filed on the date the submission is received.

Page 2

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

Page 2 of 5

A submission through the tribunal’s e-filing system by 11:59 p.m. on a business day is considered filed on 

that business day. A submission by email to the email address designated by the tribunal by 11:59 p.m. 

on a business day is considered filed on that business day. A submission on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a 

holiday is considered filed on the following business day, as provided by section 35a of the tax tribunal 

act, MCL 205.735a.” TTR 225(5)

Page 3

Naaman A Al-Khafaji

5922 Orchard

Dearborn , MI 48126

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Naaman A Al-Khafaji,

Petitioner, MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

 SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v

 

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

City Of Dearborn,

Respondent.

ORDER OF DEFAULT

The Tribunal has reviewed the file in the above-captioned case and finds that:

Petitioner did not submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (i.e., notice of 

action taken by Board of Review, uncapping notice, PRE denial notice, final assessment 

notice, etc.), as required by TTR 279. As such, Petitioner must submit the notice within 

14 days of the entry of this order.

Therefore,

IT IS ORDERED that Petitioner is HELD IN DEFAULT.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the defaulted party shall cure the default, as indicated 

above, within 14 days of the entry of this order.ii 

Failure to comply with this order will result in the defaulted party being required to file a 

motion to set aside the default (with appropriate filing fee).

By:_______________________________

Entered: October 23, 2025

Patricia L. Halm, Tribunal Chair

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

ii “A submission by mail is considered filed on the date indicated by the United States Postal Service 

postmark on the envelope containing the submission. A submission without a postmark or with an illegible 

postmark is considered filed on the date the submission is received by the tribunal. A submission by 

commercial delivery service is considered filed on the date the submission is given to the commercial

Page 5

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

Page 5 of 5

service for delivery to the tribunal as indicated by the receipt date on the package containing the 

submission. A submission by personal service is considered filed on the date the submission is received. 

A submission through the tribunal’s e-filing system by 11:59 p.m. on a business day is considered filed on 

that business day. A submission by email to the email address designated by the tribunal by 11:59 p.m. 

on a business day is considered filed on that business day. A submission on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a 

holiday is considered filed on the following business day, as provided by section 35a of the tax tribunal 

act, MCL 205.735a.” TTR 225(5)

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

RECEIVED 

AUG 1.9 2025 

. 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON |. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM 

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL 

Do not use this form to appeal Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Special Assessment, or 

Non-Property tax disputes. 

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 279, you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeai 

(e.g. Board of Review Decision or Notice of Uncapping) with this Small Claims Petition, if applicable. if you do not 

submit this document, you may be held in default. 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information 

First Name 

Mi 

Last BL Knot Name 

Naw man 

A 

AL 

Khatfo yy 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

ca 

ovn 

ANY 

[1 

Telephone Number 

37.231-9991 

or 

Bl. 275 99 B-pawn Wifi 

E-mail Address (do not enter unfess you want MTT to send alf correspondence via e-mail) 

Section 2: Petitioner's Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.L 

Last Name 

Flrm Name (if any) 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

Telephone Number 

Emall Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

How many 

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

parcelsareyou | [| ves 

X] No 

appealing? 

*If yes, use a multiple parcel form for information regarding any contiguous parcels. 

**If no, you must file separate appeals for each non-contiguous or non-adjolning parcel or you will be defaulted, 

Property Address (No., Street, City, ST, ZIP) 

{if multiple, lst first property's address) 

0911 

orchar 

pewbovy 

my 

«Bib

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Issues Being Appealed (check all that apply) 

[0 True Cash and Taxable Value 

has] Poverty Exemption 

[0 Taxable Value Only (calculation) 

[1 Disabled Veterans Exemption 

[J Uncapping of Taxable Value 

O Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property (ESA) 

[1 Exemption from Taxation (other than the denial of a 

[J Classification 

Principal Residence or Qualified Agricultural Exemption) 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal 

Owe 

nomse fold cons unde Ble,ceo otmnually ang we 

hes Se 

TM 

ome 

home 

loo) 

of 

rn 

Adve, Thaw 

esi 

have. 

seen 

CS 

unde, 

: 

~ 

's 

me 

pad SWS end Ty od 

ONE 

Re 

Sihimey bug 

3 wens 

fe 

Clan’ hy. pe 

Po 

due 

a 

AW 

hot 

yu Jen Als 

oy while 

OMY (nie CUE ((nQwmccaul 

ond 

Hor 

60 lies, 

¥ heSec 

Lum dy 

y 

. 

A 

© 

s 

be 

3 

eck ly 

aerited 

+t 

Tle dr 

Jurisn gpd 

qre 

Ot 

avotagle 

FO 

Suteert 

ow? 

LL gase lold 

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues 

Year(s) you are appealing: 

Ae 

/aT 

Did you protest the assessment ata Board of Review (BOR)? [Hl] Yes 

Xi No 

If Yes, check which BOR you attended AND attach the BOR decision: 0 March 

[| July 

Oa December 

If No, check the applicable reason(s): 

O Not required to attend 

[l} Assessment Change Notice was not received by Petitioner 

| Appealing a purported Clerical Error or Mutual Mistake of Fact (if yes, include explanation in Section 5) 

Appealing within 35 days of State Tax Commission Order

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 7: Valuation Information *use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels. 

“RE 12 25-005 

Classification of Property: 

Real 

Personal 

(check one) 

a 

Agricultural 

Commercial 

Industrial 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover 

Developmental 

Utility 

(check one) 

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR: 

514900 

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR: 

$142,160 

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)? 

Y\Q,loe 

Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value. 

} Heese 

If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value. 

Section 8: Classification Information *Only the MI Dep't of Treasury may appeal this issue to the Tribunal* 

Parcel Identification Number: 

Current Classification of Property as established by Board of Review: 

Real 

Pe 

(check one) 

O 

Agricultural 

Commercial 

Industrial 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover 

Developmental 

Utility 

(check one) 

What do you believe is the property’s classification? 

Real 

Personal 

(check one) 

Agricultural 

Commercial 

Industrial 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover 

Developmental 

Utility 

(check one) 

If improved property, how Is the property currently being used? 

If improved property, for what use was the property designed?

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON 1. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Fee Information 

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition? 

[Y] Yes 

[1 No 

Are you appealing ONLY the denial of a Poverty Exemption or Disabled Veterans Exemption? 

Yes 

| No 

If you answered yes to either or both of the above questions, you are not required to pay any filing fees. 

The filing fee is based on the greater of the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention, 

If you are appealing more than one 

parcel, the parcel with the highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus 

$25.00 will be added for each additional parcel being appealed, not to exceed a total filing fee of $1,000. 

If your property Is residential properly (see MCL 205.762) and 

the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: 

Filing Fee is:

Page 5

E

Retail

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Naaman A Al-Khafaji,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

City Of Dearborn,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims petition has been filed and the above-noted docket 

number has been assigned to that petition. The assignment of the docket number does 

not mean that the Tribunal has authority over the petition or that the petition complies 

with the Tribunal’s rules. The docket number needs to be included on all documents 

submitted in this case.

Respondent shall file an answer to the petition within 28 days of the issuance of a 

copy of this Notice to Respondent. Tribunal answer forms are available on our 

website at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. Respondents must utilize the appropriate answer 

form. Failure to file the answer within the 28-day time frame may result in the 

placement of Respondent in default, as provided by TTR 281. Further, an electronic 

copy of the petition can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup Search on the 

Tribunal’s website.

By: __Tribunal Clerk_____

Entered: October 23, 2025

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

Page 2

Naaman A Al-Khafaji

5922 Orchard

Dearborn , MI 48126

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN

GRETCHEN WHITMER

GOVERNOR

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

LANSING

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA

DIRECTOR

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL · 611 W. OTTAWA ST., LANSING, MI 48933 · 517-335-9760

PO BOX 30232, LANSING, MI 48909 · Other Carriers: 2407 N. GRAND RIVER AVE., LANSING, MI 48906

Naaman A Al-Khafaji,

Petitioner,

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL

SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION

v 

MTT Docket No. 25-003646

City Of Dearborn,

Respondent.

NOTICE OF DOCKET NUMBER

TAKE NOTICE that a Small Claims petition has been filed and the above-noted docket 

number has been assigned to that petition. The assignment of the docket number does 

not mean that the Tribunal has authority over the petition or that the petition complies 

with the Tribunal’s rules. The docket number needs to be included on all documents 

submitted in this case.

Respondent shall file an answer to the petition within 28 days of the issuance of a 

copy of this Notice to Respondent. Tribunal answer forms are available on our 

website at www.michigan.gov/taxtrib. Respondents must utilize the appropriate answer 

form. Failure to file the answer within the 28-day time frame may result in the 

placement of Respondent in default, as provided by TTR 281. Further, an electronic 

copy of the petition can be reviewed by utilizing the Docket Lookup Search on the 

Tribunal’s website.

By: __Tribunal Clerk_____

Entered: October 23, 2025

PROOF OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of the foregoing was sent on the entry date indicated above to the 

parties or their attorneys or authorized representatives, if any, utilizing either the mailing 

or email addresses on file, as provided by those parties, attorneys, or authorized 

representatives.

By: Tribunal Clerk

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.

Page 1

RECEIVED 

AUG 1.9 2025 

. 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON |. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL PETITION FORM 

VALUATION / EXEMPTION / CLASSIFICATION APPEAL 

Do not use this form to appeal Principal Residence Exemption, Qualified Agricultural Exemption, Special Assessment, or 

Non-Property tax disputes. 

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 279, you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeai 

(e.g. Board of Review Decision or Notice of Uncapping) with this Small Claims Petition, if applicable. if you do not 

submit this document, you may be held in default. 

Section 1: Petitioner’s Contact Information 

First Name 

Mi 

Last BL Knot Name 

Naw man 

A 

AL 

Khatfo yy 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

ca 

ovn 

ANY 

[1 

Telephone Number 

37.231-9991 

or 

Bl. 275 99 B-pawn Wifi 

E-mail Address (do not enter unfess you want MTT to send alf correspondence via e-mail) 

Section 2: Petitioner's Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.L 

Last Name 

Flrm Name (if any) 

Mailing Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

City or Town 

State 

ZIP Code 

Telephone Number 

Emall Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via email) 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

How many 

If you are appealing more than one parcel, are they contiguous or adjoining? 

parcelsareyou | [| ves 

X] No 

appealing? 

*If yes, use a multiple parcel form for information regarding any contiguous parcels. 

**If no, you must file separate appeals for each non-contiguous or non-adjolning parcel or you will be defaulted, 

Property Address (No., Street, City, ST, ZIP) 

{if multiple, lst first property's address) 

0911 

orchar 

pewbovy 

my 

«Bib

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Issues Being Appealed (check all that apply) 

[0 True Cash and Taxable Value 

has] Poverty Exemption 

[0 Taxable Value Only (calculation) 

[1 Disabled Veterans Exemption 

[J Uncapping of Taxable Value 

O Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property (ESA) 

[1 Exemption from Taxation (other than the denial of a 

[J Classification 

Principal Residence or Qualified Agricultural Exemption) 

Section 5: Explain the Reason for this Appeal 

Owe 

nomse fold cons unde Ble,ceo otmnually ang we 

hes Se 

TM 

ome 

home 

loo) 

of 

rn 

Adve, Thaw 

esi 

have. 

seen 

CS 

unde, 

: 

~ 

's 

me 

pad SWS end Ty od 

ONE 

Re 

Sihimey bug 

3 wens 

fe 

Clan’ hy. pe 

Po 

due 

a 

AW 

hot 

yu Jen Als 

oy while 

OMY (nie CUE ((nQwmccaul 

ond 

Hor 

60 lies, 

¥ heSec 

Lum dy 

y 

. 

A 

© 

s 

be 

3 

eck ly 

aerited 

+t 

Tle dr 

Jurisn gpd 

qre 

Ot 

avotagle 

FO 

Suteert 

ow? 

LL gase lold 

Section 6: Jurisdictional Issues 

Year(s) you are appealing: 

Ae 

/aT 

Did you protest the assessment ata Board of Review (BOR)? [Hl] Yes 

Xi No 

If Yes, check which BOR you attended AND attach the BOR decision: 0 March 

[| July 

Oa December 

If No, check the applicable reason(s): 

O Not required to attend 

[l} Assessment Change Notice was not received by Petitioner 

| Appealing a purported Clerical Error or Mutual Mistake of Fact (if yes, include explanation in Section 5) 

Appealing within 35 days of State Tax Commission Order

Page 3

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 7: Valuation Information *use the multiple parcel form for additional, contiguous parcels. 

“RE 12 25-005 

Classification of Property: 

Real 

Personal 

(check one) 

a 

Agricultural 

Commercial 

Industrial 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover 

Developmental 

Utility 

(check one) 

Current Assessed Value (also known as State Equalized Value) as established by the BOR: 

514900 

Current Taxable Value as established by the BOR: 

$142,160 

What do you believe is the fair market value (also known as True Cash Value)? 

Y\Q,loe 

Multiply the True Cash Value by .5 and enter here. This is your contention of Assessed Value. 

} Heese 

If you believe the Taxable Value differs from your contention of Assessed Value, enter your contention of Taxable Value. 

Section 8: Classification Information *Only the MI Dep't of Treasury may appeal this issue to the Tribunal* 

Parcel Identification Number: 

Current Classification of Property as established by Board of Review: 

Real 

Pe 

(check one) 

O 

Agricultural 

Commercial 

Industrial 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover 

Developmental 

Utility 

(check one) 

What do you believe is the property’s classification? 

Real 

Personal 

(check one) 

Agricultural 

Commercial 

Industrial 

Residential 

Timber-Cutover 

Developmental 

Utility 

(check one) 

If improved property, how Is the property currently being used? 

If improved property, for what use was the property designed?

Page 4

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON 1. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Fee Information 

Does the subject property have a Principal Residence Exemption of at least 50% as of the date of the filing of this petition? 

[Y] Yes 

[1 No 

Are you appealing ONLY the denial of a Poverty Exemption or Disabled Veterans Exemption? 

Yes 

| No 

If you answered yes to either or both of the above questions, you are not required to pay any filing fees. 

The filing fee is based on the greater of the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention, 

If you are appealing more than one 

parcel, the parcel with the highest State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention will be used to determine your filing fee, plus 

$25.00 will be added for each additional parcel being appealed, not to exceed a total filing fee of $1,000. 

If your property Is residential properly (see MCL 205.762) and 

the State Equalized Value or Taxable Value in contention is: 

Filing Fee is:

Page 5

E

Retail

These are text excerpts, not the complete document. Text recognition and reading order can contain errors. Check the PDF for complete wording, formatting, and context.