If you cannot pay your taxes for financial reasons, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your current year’s property tax obligation with the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE). Residents who are approved for (HOPE) are eligible for Pay as You Stay (PAYS), which reduces delinquent property taxes owed to the Wayne County Treasurer.
The Detroit Tax Relief Fund is a new assistance program that will completely eliminate delinquent property taxes owed to the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office for Detroit homeowners who have received the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) and the Pay As You Stay (PAYS) program. Call (313)244-0274 or visit the website to apply for financial assistance today! This program is made possible by the Gilbert Family Foundation in partnership with the City of Detroit, Wayne County and Wayne Metro.
Residents seeking HOPE application assistance can make an appointment with a community partner by clicking the link below.
For delinquent property tax information or payment plans, reach out to the Wayne County Treasurer's Office.
What is a HOPE (formerly HPTAP)?
HOPE stands for Homeowners Property Exemption. It is also referred to as the Poverty Tax Exemption, “PTE” or Hardship Program. HOPE provides an opportunity for homeowners to be exempt from their current year property taxes based on household income or circumstances. If approved, you will still be responsible for any fees such as the solid waste fee. The solid waste fee is discounted at to $120 for HOPE approved homeowners. The HOPE application is an annual application, homeowners must apply every year.
Do I qualify?
Eligibility for the HOPE is based on whether you own and occupy your home as your primary residence and your household income or circumstances. Please review the income levels listed below. Most homeowners whose income is below the guidelines are generally approved.
Only the Board of Review may approve an application.
2024 HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY EXEMPTION (HOPE)
Formerly Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP)
INCOME GUIDELINES
Maximum Income for Partial (10%) Exemption
Add $5,140.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a 100% exemption. For a 75% exemption add $5,294 to the income limit for each household member above eight. For a 50% partial exemption add $5,448.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight. For a 25% partial exemption add $5,575,00 to the income for each household member above eight. For a 10% exemption add $10,023 for each household member above eight.
10% exemption requires property to be in threat of tax foreclosure or at least 20% loss of household income from the prior year (as approved by the State Tax Commission).
In addition, the total household assets (i.e. , other real property, boats, campers, stocks, bonds, IRA's, other assets in or out of the United States, etc.) SHALL NOT exceed $12,000.00. Verification of additional assets will be done for all parties and household members applying for property tax assistance. Information not provided by the applicant but is discovered by the Board of Review may cause your application to be denied. If you have assets totaling more than $12,000.00, explain your special circumstances and why your application should be approved despite your assets.
What do I need to provide?
To be considered for an exemption on your property taxes, the applicant is required to submit the following to the Board of Review:
The Board of Review reserves the right to request additional information or documents.
2024 applications are required to be filed by 4:30 P.M. November 1, 2024.
Where can I find an application?
IMPORTANT: When using the online portal, you must complete and submit the application and provide supporting documentation in order for your application to be received by the Board of Review.
You can download the application by clicking on the link above, pick up a form at the Detroit Tax Service Center, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue - Suite 130, or request a form mailed to your home by calling 313-224-3035 or emailing [email protected]
What is the deadline?
Need Assistance?
Residents seeking assistance to complete their HOPE (formerly HPTAP) application can reach out to one of the 11 non-profit partners listed below. The partners can assist in completing the online or paper HOPE (formerly HPTAP) application. You can also schedule an appointment online at https://detroithope.timetap.com/.
Is there any other help for my property taxes?
Our community partners have been successful in assisting property owners, even those who don’t qualify for the HOPE; find more information here. In addition, if you need assistance with your 2023 and prior taxes, you may visit the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office website here.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR TAX BILL
When are my taxes due?
In the City of Detroit you will receive two (2) tax bills. The summer becomes due as of July 1st. You must pay one half of the summer bill by August 15th or all of the summer bill by August 31st to avoid any interest or penalties. You will receive a winter tax bill that becomes due December 1st. The bill must be paid by January 15th in order to avoid any interest or penalties.
All households, regardless of exemptions, are responsible to pay the annual $240 solid waste disposal fee on their summer tax bill, although qualifying seniors may receive a $120 discount.
What if I miss the payment deadline?
