The City of Detroit has announced that local homeowners have a critical deadline of December 11 to apply for the HOPE property tax exemption program to potentially avoid foreclosure risks. The HOPE program, an acronym for Homeowners Property Exemption, is designed to assist homeowners in Detroit with either a full or partial property tax exemption for the year 2023 based on their household income.
Officials highlighted that so far in 2023, a notable 11,312 Detroit homeowners have successfully received approval for property tax reductions ranging from 10% to 100%. The eligibility for these reductions is contingent on various income levels.
In an effort to facilitate the application process, the City, in collaboration with nonprofit partners, is hosting its final series of Healthy Home Resource Days. These events aim to provide in-person assistance for completing the HOPE application. The upcoming events are scheduled as follows:
- December 8, 2023, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM and December 11, 2023, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM at Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (7310 Woodward, Detroit 48202).
Willie Donwell, Director of the Board of Review, City Council, emphasized the increased outreach efforts for the HOPE program this year. “We’ve increased our HOPE outreaches this year because we want to make sure Detroit homeowners who are in need of assistance with paying property taxes know about the help that’s available,” he stated. Donwell further explained that the HOPE program has historically aided numerous homeowners in managing their tax burdens and preventing foreclosure risks.
Residents can apply for the HOPE program online or schedule an in-person appointment at one of the events by visiting www.detroitmi.gov/HOPE or contacting the Call Center at (313) 244-0274. Walk-ins are also welcome at the events.
To qualify for HOPE, applicants must own and occupy their home as their primary residence and fall below certain income thresholds. The program also offers potential eligibility for other assistance programs and aid in paying off delinquent property taxes. Notably, HOPE was previously known as the Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP) or the Poverty Tax Exemption (“PTE” or Hardship Program). It requires an annual application, and homeowners must reapply each year.
The application process demands various documents, including completed Michigan Department of Treasury Forms 5737 and 5739, proof of ownership, government ID, proof of income for all household members, and 2022 Federal and State tax returns, among other requirements. The Board of Review retains the authority to request additional information or documents as needed.
The deadline for submitting 2023 HOPE applications is December 11, 2023.
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