Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP)

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 Homeowner’s Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP).

Residents who apply before March 21 and are approved, will have their tax exemption applied to their summer tax bills. Application are accepted until December 14. Apply today!

What is a HPTAP?

HPTAP stands for Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program. It is also referred to as the Poverty Tax Exemption, “PTE” or Hardship Program. HPTAP 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.

Do I qualify?

Eligibility for the HPTAP 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.

If your income is above the guidelines, you may still qualify for an exemption. If your income is above the guidelines, please provide additional information about your household circumstances to allow the Board of Review to make an informed decision. Only the Board of Review may approve an application.

2020 HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HPTAP)

INCOME GUIDELINES

Add $4,320.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a full exemption.  For a 50% partial exemption add $4,580.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight.  For a 25% partial exemption add $4,950,00 to the income for each household member above eight.

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:

• A completed HPTAP petition and application for the current year,
• Registered proof of ownership (Deed, land contract, probate court order, divorce judgment etc.),
• Any form of government ID with address and picture the homeowner and all residents over the age of 18,
• Proof of income for ALL members of the household (this includes any minor children). Examples: W2’s, paystubs, SSI/SSD, pension FIA/DHS, child support, self-employment, signed and notarized letter from who is helping you financially, etc.    
  • If your income is higher than the guidelines, you can list appropriate debts and expenses with supporting documentation, which may be used to offset your income.
  • If your income or assets are higher than the guidelines, please explain your special circumstances and why your application should be approved.
• 2019 Federal and State tax returns for all adults, if filed (if are not required to file a tax return, the adult must complete a Michigan Treasury Form 4988 Poverty Exemption Affidavit and IRS 4506-T and can provide W2’s, social security statements, or any other document that proves the past year’s income),
• Proof of residency for all minors in the household (such as FIA Statement, Report Card, Transcript, minor listed on tax return, etc.)

The Board of Review reserves the right to request additional information or documents.

You must apply before December 14, 2020 for your application to be considered for the current year. Although applications are accepted until December 14, 2020 the Board of Review encourages you to apply as soon as possible.

Where can I find an application?

You can download the application by clicking on the link above. Note that you must print and complete a hard copy of the application (you cannot complete the application online).

Or you can pick up an application in-person at:

Office of the Assessor
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Ave. - Suite 804
Detroit, Michigan 48226

Or you can ask for an application to be mailed to your home. Request your application by phone: 313-224-3035 or by email: [email protected]

What is the deadline?
2020 applications are required to be filed by December 14, 2020.  Applications will not be accepted after this date.  It is highly recommended that homeowners file as soon as possible to give the Board of Review time to thoroughly review your case.  Filing an application at the last minute, especially one that is incomplete, could result in a denial.

You must apply each year in which the assistance is needed.  Don’t wait until the last minute, find assistance now!

• If you are granted an exemption at the March BOR, you will receive a lowered tax bill for that year.
• If you are granted an exemption at either the July or December BOR, you will receive a full property tax bill in July. An adjusted tax bill will be mailed after the July or December BOR. If you pay your tax bill and are then granted an exemption, you will be mailed a refund for the excess payment.
• If you are not granted an exemption, you will receive an explanation in your decision letter. This will include the process and timeline for appealing this decision if you choose to do so.

Who can help me complete my application?
For free assistance with your application and notarization for the petition:

Call 211 or Text “HOME” to 85274
A list of organizations that can help you complete your application

Or visit:
Board of Review
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
2 Woodward Avenue – Suite 105
Detroit, Michigan 48226
www.Detroitmi.gov

For questions regarding the application
Call: 313-628-0722

United Community Housing Coalition/Michigan Legal Services
2727 Second Ave., Suite 313
Detroit, Michigan
313-963-3310
www.uchcdetroit.org
Free Counseling Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am – 12pm
Monthly HPTAP Workshops “First Tuesdays” at 4-6 pm

Is there any other help for my property taxes?
Even if you don’t qualify for this type of assistance, there are programs available through the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office at 400 Monroe Street to assist you in paying your delinquent taxes and there are community groups  which have been successful in assisting property owners as well. See www.waynecounty.com/elected/treasurer/taxpayer-assistance.aspx or call 313-224-5990.

Additionally, the State of Michigan offers a program called “Step Forward” which is designed to help eligible homeowners who are struggling with their property taxes. See www.stepforwardmichigan.org or call 866-946-7432.

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?

What do I do if I owe back taxes?
Contact the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office.  The WCTO offers a number of payment options.  

See: www.waynecounty.com/elected/treasurer/taxpayer-assistance.aspx
Call: 313-224-5990.
Or visit: 400 Monroe Floor, Detroit, MI 48226

Are there other ways I can reduce my tax obligation?
Property Assessment Appeal (must appeal between February 1st through February 15th)
Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)
Solid Waste Reduction (seniors 65 and older with household income of $40,000 or less)
NEZ-Homestead Neighborhoods
Disabled Veterans Exemption