Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE)

If you cannot pay your taxes for financial reasons, you may be able to reduce the current year’s property tax obligation with the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE). Residents who are approved for HOPE are also possibly eligible for Pay as You Stay (PAYS), which reduces delinquent property taxes owed to the Genesee County Treasurer. Once you are approved for HOPE, you will need to contact the Genesee County Treasurer at 810-257-3054 to set up a payment plan.  

 Residents seeking HOPE application assistance can come to the Assessment Office and we will gladly help with the application process. You can also contact us at 810-766-7255 or [email protected]

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 receive a reduction for their current year property taxes based on household income. If approved, you will still be responsible for any special assessments such as garbage pickup and streetlights. The HOPE application is an annual application, homeowners must apply every year.

Do I qualify?

Eligibility for the HOPE is based on whether you own and occupy your home as your primary residence and your household income or circumstances. Please review the income levels listed below. Most homeowners whose income is below the guidelines are generally approved.

Only the Board of Review may approve an application.

2024 HOMEOWNERS PROPERTY EXEMPTION (HOPE)

Formerly Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Program (HPTAP)

INCOME GUIDELINES

In addition, the total household assets (i.e. , other real property, boats, campers, stocks, bonds, IRA’s, other assets in or out of the United States, etc.) SHALL NOT exceed $15,000.00. Verification of additional assets will be done for all parties and household members applying for property tax assistance. Information not provided by the applicant but is discovered by the Board of Review may cause your application to be denied.  

What do I need to provide?
To be considered for an exemption on your property taxes, the applicant is required to submit the following to the Board of Review:

• A completed Michigan Department of Treasury Form 5737 (Application for MCL 211.7u Poverty Exemption) and Form 5739 (Affirmation of Ownership and Occupancy),
• Registered proof of ownership, if not already shown as the owner of the property (Deed, land contract, probate court order, divorce judgment etc). 
• Any form of government ID with address and picture of the homeowner and all residents over the age of 18,
• Proof of income for ALL members of the household (this includes any minor children). Examples: W2’s, paystubs, SSI/SSD, pension FIA/DHS, child support, self-employment, signed and notarized letter from who is helping you financially, etc.
• 2023 Federal and State tax returns for all adults, if filed (if are not required to file a tax return, the adult must complete a Michigan Treasury Form 4988 Poverty Exemption Affidavit and IRS 4506-T and can provide W2’s, social security statements, or any other document that proves the past year’s income),

What is the deadline?

• The Board of Review reserves the right to request additional information or documents.

2024 applications are required to be filed by 4:00 P.M. December 6, 2024. 

• Be sure to file early to make sure the Board of Review has time to look over your case

• You must reapply each year
• If you are granted an exemption at the March BOR, you will receive a lowered tax bill for that year.
• If you are granted an exemption at either the July or December BOR, you will receive a full property tax bill in July. An adjusted tax bill will be mailed after the July or December BOR. If you pay your tax bill and are then granted an exemption, you will be mailed a refund for the excess payment.
• If you are not granted an exemption, you will receive an explanation in your decision letter. This will include the process and timeline for appealing this decision if you choose to do so.