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. If approved, you will still be responsible for any fees such as the solid waste fee. The solid waste fee is discounted by one half for HOPE approved homeowners. The HOPE application is an annual application, homeowners must apply every year.
Yes, an application is required each year the assistance is needed.
Yes, each year City Council will adopt by resolution the income guidelines for the upcoming year. Income guidelines are included with the application and on the City’s website.
Yes, the asset test is set by city ordinance. However, City Council may increase the asset test in its yearly HOPE guidelines resolution but cannot reduce it without amending the ordinance.
There are several community partners throughout the city that can assist with the completion of the application. A list is on the City’s community partners is available at https://www.detroitmi.gov/hope
If you are contacted by the Board of Review, you are required to respond. An insufficient application will on delay the disposition process of the application and may also cause it to be denied.
Call 313-628-0722 or email boardofreview@detroitmi.gov
Only the Board of Review can make a determination on your application.
The Property Assessment Board of Review is a 9 (nine) member body appointed by City Council to hear and determine matters related to real and personal property valuation and classification.
You will only receive written notification depending on when a determination was made. Decisions of the Board of Review are only released 3 times a year.
As early in the year as possible. Applications are available shortly after January 1st. If your application is complete with sufficient documentation generally the Board of Review can make a determination by the March Board of Review. So, it is important to file a complete application with all supporting documentation.
You can still file, but you will receive a tax bill and you are responsible for the tax obligation unless the Board of Review grants an exemption. You will not receive a determination prior to the statutory Board of Review meeting dates.
Yes, appeals are made to the Michigan Tax Tribunal (MTT). Your decision letter provides the contact information for the MTT and deadline to file the appeal.
Michigan Tax Tribunal
U.S. Postal Mailing Address:
Michigan Tax Tribunal
P.O. Box 30232
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Overnight Carrier Address (UPS, FedEx, DHL Deliveries):
Michigan Tax Tribunal
2nd Floor MOAHR
2407 N. Grand River Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48906
Phone number: 517-335-9760, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; however, the phones will not be answered between 12pm-1pm.
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