Board of Review

1. What is a HOPE application?

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 to $120 for HOPE approved homeowners. The HOPE application is an annual application, homeowners must apply every year.

 2. Where can I get a HOPE application?

You can fill out the application by using one of the following methods:

  • Electronically via DocuSign by visiting detroitmi.gov/hope
  • An application can also be mailed to you.   Send an e-mail inquiry to [email protected]

 

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.

 3. How do I get assistance with completing my application?

You can get assistance by using one of the following methods:

Visiting detroithope.timetap.com or calling 313-244-0274 to schedule your appointment.

 4. What is the deadline to apply for the HOPE Program?

2024 applications are required to be filed by November 1, 2024, by 4:30p.m. EST.  Applications are processed on an ongoing basis.

 5. I received the exemption last year, do I need to reapply?

Yes, unless you receive a fixed income solely from public assistance that is not subject to significant annual increases beyond the rate of inflation, such as federal Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability or retirement benefits you must reapply if you wish to receive consideration.

 6. How long before I get my decision?

The Board of Review makes decisions during the March Board of Review, July Board of Review, and December Board of Review. 

March Board of Review
Begins the Tuesday following the First Monday in March.

July Board of Review
Convenes the Tuesday following the third Monday in July.

December Board of Review
Convenes the Tuesday following the second Monday in December.

 7. How will I know if I was approved?

You will be notified via mail. Letters are mailed out after the adjournment of each Board of Review (BOR). Please allow up to 10 days after the closing of the Board of Review to receive your BOR decision letter.

 8. I moved; will my HOPE exemption automatically roll over to the new property?

No. You will need to submit a new application for the new property along with all the required documents. You will also need to meet the minimum qualifications for owning and occupying the subject property by December 31st the year prior.

 9. I received a rollover, do I need to notify the Board of Review?

The person shall file with the local assessing unit, in a form and manner prescribed by the state tax commission, an affidavit rescinding the exemption within 45 days after either of the following, if applicable:

  • The person ceases to own or occupy the principal residence for which the exemption was extended.
  • The person experiences a change in household assets or income that defeats eligibility for the exemption under subsection (2).
 10. I received a denial letter; can my decision be changed?

Once a decision is rendered, the Board of Review cannot reconsider your property. The decision letters outline your appeal rights to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
 

 11. Who can I speak to if I have additional questions regarding my exemption?

You can send an e-mail inquiry to [email protected]

 

 12. How do I apply for the Disabled Veterans Exemption?

To apply for the exemption, the disabled veteran, their unremarried surviving spouse, or their legal designee must complete and file Form 5107 Affidavit for Disabled Veterans Exemption with the city of Detroit Assessors Office.

You can submit completed forms:

  • In person in Room 130, The Detroit Taxpayer Service Center - Mon-Thurs 8AM-4:30PM
  • Via mail to Office of the Assessor, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 804, Detroit, MI 48226

Forms are available at the Detroit Taxpayer Service Center (DTSC) in suite 130 and in the Forms Library outside of suite 130.  Taxpayers can also access the forms via the links listed below or on the Office of the Assessor’s website (www.detroitmi.gov).   

The forms are also available on the State of Michigan website: www.michigan.gov/treasury.

 13. Are parcels contiguous to the parcel I live in eligible for the Disabled Veterans Exemption?

No. MCL 211.7b is specific that the exemption is for real property owned and used as a homestead. 
 

 14. Am I required to have a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) on my property?

No. MCL 21.7b does not require the veteran or unremarried surviving spouse to be receiving a Principal Residence Exemption. MCL 211.7b only requires them to own and use the property as their homestead.