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Michigan Program Eligibility

Discover if you — or a loved one — are eligible to save money with property tax relief.

Click the Am I Eligible? button below to get started.

Michigan offers the Homestead Property Tax Credit and the Home Heating Credit for both renters and homeowners.  The maximum credit is $1,700.

Renters age 65+, whose rent is more than 40% of their total household resources, may qualify for an alternative credit. Homeowners may also be eligible for a Principal Resident Exception that exempts taxes levied by a local school district.

Property Tax-Aide also features the Poverty Exemption, Homeowners Property Exemption or HOPE (City of Detroit), and the Pay as You Stay or PAYS program for participating Wayne County municipalities.

The information on this page is updated as new information becomes available by the relevant tax agencies.

Homestead Property Tax Credit (Homeowners)

Michigan's homestead property tax credit is how the State of Michigan can help you pay some of your property taxes if you are a qualified Michigan homeowner or renter and meet the requirements. You should complete the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim MI-1040CR to see if you qualify for the credit.

The credit, for most people, is based on a comparison between property taxes and total household resources. Homeowners pay property taxes directly and renters pay them indirectly with their rent.

Application Deadline

If you are not required to file an MI-1040, you may file your credit claim as soon as you know your 2023 total household resources and property taxes levied in 2023. If you file a Michigan income tax return, your credit claim should be included with your MI-1040 return and filed by April 15, 2024 to be considered timely. To avoid penalty and interest, if you owe tax, postmark your return no later than April 15, 2024. The filing deadline to receive a 2023 property tax credit is April 15, 2027

Am I eligible?

Homestead Property Tax Credit (Renters)

In most cases, 23% of rent paid is considered property tax that can be claimed for credit through Michigan’s Homestead Property Tax Credit program.

Application Deadline

If you are not required to file an MI-1040, you may file your credit claim as soon as you know your 2023 total household resources and property taxes levied in 2023. If you file a Michigan income tax return, your credit claim should be included with your MI-1040 return and filed by April 15, 2024 to be considered timely. To avoid penalty and interest, if you owe tax, postmark your return no later than April 15, 2024. The filing deadline to receive a 2023 property tax credit is April 15, 2027

 

Am I eligible?

Michigan Home Heating Credit (For Homeowners & Renters)

Michigan Home Heating Credit helps pay the heating expenses for eligible Michigan homeowners and renters with low income. Over the last 5 years, 257,500 Michigan residents received the Home Heating Credit, which averaged $209. For questions about eligibility, please visit the Home Heating Credit information page on the Michigan Department of Treasury website.

Application Deadline

The final date for filing a 2023 home heating credit is September 30, 2024. (Your claim must be postmarked by September 30, 2024) The filing of an extension for income taxes does not extend the due date for the home heating credit. File early to receive priority processing.

Am I eligible?

Poverty Exemption

This is an exemption for the principal residence of persons who, in the judgment of the local unit of government, by reason of poverty, are unable to contribute to the public charges.

Application Deadline

File a Poverty Exemption Application any time after January 1st. The final due date is the day before the last day of the Board of Review. It is recommended to file prior to December 1.

Contact your local city or township assessor for specific dates.

Am I eligible?

Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE)

The Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program is a City of Detroit program that helps low-income homeowners eliminate or lower their CURRENT year property taxes. Residents who are approved for (HOPE) are eligible for Pay as You Stay (PAYS), which reduces delinquent property taxes owed to the Wayne County Treasurer. More about the PAYS program below.

Application Deadline

2024 applications are required to be filed by November 1, 2024.

Am I eligible?

Pay as You Stay (PAYS) Program

The Pay As You Stay (PAYS) program may reduce the amount of delinquent taxes owed for lower income residents who own and occupy their residence and live in a municipality in Wayne County that has opted into the program.

Application Deadline

If you are eligible for the PAYS program, the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office will receive your information from your local municipality and will contact you to fill out a PAYS application.

Am I eligible?

Property Tax-Aide has independently selected the property tax relief programs featured on this website that we think are the most relevant and beneficial to older adults. It is not an exhaustive list of all property tax relief programs available in each state. Please consult your local tax agency for a comprehensive listing of property tax relief programs in your area.

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