Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP)

2021 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). 

COVID-19 Announcements

The City of Detroit announced Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP) application approvals will be made on an on-going basis, eliminating the previous deadlines. The final 2021 deadline is December 13. 

Due to COVID-19 the following changes have been applied:

• No notary required for 2021
• The City will accept 2020 and 2019 income tax return
• The City will accept unemployment decision as proof of income

Delinquent taxes still must be addressed. The Wayne County Treasurer's Office (WCTO) is urging residents to make regular payments no matter how small and stay compliant with their payment plans. Interest will continue to accrue on the unpaid balance. The City is urging all residents in need of current year property tax relief to apply for the HPTAP.

The Board of Review and Assessor's Office are not open to the public through the duration of the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe  order. We look forward to serving you in person when it is safe to do so. Residents seeking assistance can still make appointments online.

How to make an appointment online: Eligible PAYS homeowners can enroll into the PAYS program online, or make an appointment with the Wayne County Treasurer's Office. To make an appointment or enroll online, eligible homeowners must first receive an enrollment letter from the Wayne County Treasurer's Office.

To enroll into the PAYS program online click here.

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. The solid waste fee is discounted at to $120 for HPTAP approved homeowners. The HPTAP application is an annual application, homeowners must apply every year.

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.

Only the Board of Review may approve an application.

2021 HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HPTAP)

INCOME GUIDELINES

Add $4,480.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight for a full exemption.  For a 50% partial exemption add $4,749.00 to the income limit for each household member above eight.  For a 25% partial exemption add $5,018,00 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 Michigan Department of Treasury Form 5737 (Application for MCL 211.7u Poverty Exemption),
• Registered proof of ownership (Deed, land contract, probate court order, divorce judgment etc.),
• Any form of government ID with address and picture of 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.
• 2020 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.

2021 applications are required to be filed by December 13, 2021. 

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.

Application can now be completed online or downloaded for printing:

You can download the application by clicking on the link above, pick up a form at the Assessor's Office, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue - Suite 804, or request a form mailed to your home by  calling 313-224-3035 or emailing [email protected]

What is the deadline?

• 2021 applications are required to be filed by December 13, 2021. Applications are processed at an ongoing basis
• Be sure to file early to make sure the Board of Review has time to look over your case
• You must reapply each year
• 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.

Need Assistance?

Residents seeking assistance to complete their HPTAP application can reach out to one of the 14 non-profit partners listed below. The partners can assist in completing the online or paper HPTAP application. Please completing their HPTAP. Please see call the non-profit closest to you for guidance on how the partner is delivering services remotely during this time. 

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 HPTAP; find more information here. In addition, if you need assistance with your 2019 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? 

Are there other ways I can reduce my tax obligation?

• Property Assessment Appeal (must appeal between February 1st through February 15th)
• Principal Residence Forms | L-2602 - Request to Rescind Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Rev 04-19
• Senior Citizen Application for Solid Waste Discount
  (seniors 65 and older with household income of $40,000 or less)
• NEZ-Homestead Neighborhoods
• Disabled Veterans Exemption STC Affidavit Form 5107-12-13