STATUS: Open, but Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) ends 4:30 p.m. November 6, 2026.

SERVICE AREA: City of Detroit

CLIENTS SERVED: Detroit homeowners, including low-income homeowners and homeowners experiencing financial hardship or difficulty paying property taxes.

DESCRIPTION: Provides assistance with Detroit property tax relief programs to help eligible homeowners reduce their current-year property tax burden and avoid tax foreclosure. The Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) is based primarily on household income and requires the homeowner to own and occupy the property as their principal residence. Approved homeowners may receive a 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% exemption from current-year property taxes, depending on their circumstances, but must apply annually

PROGRAMS/SERVICES:

• Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) for Current Year Taxes: Reduce or eliminate eligible current-year property taxes based on household income. Approved homeowners may receive a 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% exemption. HOPE must be applied for each year.
• PAYS for Back Taxes: Pay As You Stay (PAYS) is available to homeowners who have been approved for HOPE and have delinquent property taxes still being collected by the Wayne County Treasurer. PAYS can substantially reduce the delinquent balance and provide a payment arrangement for the remaining amount.
• Detroit Tax Relief Fund for Additional Taxes still owed: The Detroit Tax Relief Fund (DTRF) provides additional assistance to Detroit homeowners who have received both HOPE and PAYS. May eliminate the remaining delinquent property-tax balance owed to the Wayne County Treasurer.
• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): Property-tax exemption for homeowners which exempts the home from up to 18 mills of local school operating taxes, which can substantially reduce the property-tax bill.
  Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Homestead (NEZ-H): Property-tax abatement for homeowners in an eligible NEZ-H district. It reduces the City of Detroit and Wayne County operating millage on the home, which significantly reduces property taxes.
  Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount: A discount on the solid waste fee for Detroit homeowners who are 65 or older and have a Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) on their home. Applications are accepted February 1–April 15 and July 1–September 15. Once approved, homeowners do not need to reapply each year as long as they continue to own and live in the home.

HOW TO ACCESS SERVICES:

• Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE): Apply annually through the HOPE online application, or call 866-313-2520 for assistance completing the application. The 2026 application deadline is November 6th.
• Pay As You Stay (PAYS): No separate application is required. Homeowners approved for HOPE who have delinquent property taxes may become eligible for PAYS and will receive enrollment information from the Wayne County Treasurer. For assistance, call 866-313-2520.
• Detroit Tax Relief Fund (DTRF): No separate application is generally required. Homeowners who receive both HOPE and PAYS may qualify for DTRF assistance with their remaining delinquent property-tax balance. Call 866-313-2520 or visit Wayne Metro – Property Tax Assistance to begin an eligibility review.
• Principal Residence Exemption (PRE): Complete the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Affidavit and submit it by email to AssessorsPREAudit@detroitmi.gov or in person at 2 Woodward Ave, Ste. 804, Detroit, MI. 48226.
• Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Homestead (NEZ-H): Complete the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Homestead Application online and submit the required ownership, identification, and PRE documentation. For questions, email DetroitNEZ@detroitmi.gov.
• Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount: Complete the Senior Citizen Solid Waste Discount Application and submit it during one of the City’s application periods. Applications can be submitted online, in person at the Detroit Taxpayer Service Center, or by mail to 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 130, Detroit, MI 48226. For assistance, call 313-224-3560.