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Falling behind on property taxes and facing foreclosure?
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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 2020 deadline is December 14.
Due to COVID-19 the following changes have been applied:
Effective, March 16, 2020 no homes will be foreclosed on for the remaining of 2020 because of Covid-19. Delinquent taxes still must be paid. 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.
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
Number in Household | Maximum Income for Full (100%) Exemption | Maximum Income for Partial (50%) Exemption | Maximum Income for Partial (25%) Exemption |
1 | $17,236.00 | $19,859.00 | $22,357.00 |
2 | $20,799.00 | $23,336.00 | $25,703.00 |
3 | $23.036.00 | $25,596.00 | $27,942.00 |
4 | $26,780.00 | $29,355.00 | $31,930.00 |
5 | $30,170.00 | $32,885.00 | $35,299.00 |
6 | $34,590.00 | $37,357.00 | $39,799.00 |
7 | $39,010.00 | $41,741.00 | $44,081.00 |
8 | $43,430.00 | $46,036.00 | $48,642.00 |
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:
The Board of Review reserves the right to request additional information or documents.
Applications will now be reviewed and approved at an on-going basis for all eligible HPTAP residents. 2020 applications are required to be filed by December 14, 2020.
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: To complete your online application visit:
To access the printed application visit:
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?
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.
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?
**Because of Covid-19, all foreclosures for 2020 will be stopped for Detroit Residents, despite their HPTAP or foreclosure status. Residents will still incur interest during this time.
Are there other ways I can reduce my tax obligation?
Information on Property Tax Assistance
2020 Process for Reviewing Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Applications
2020 HPTAP Information Letter