Act by December 13 to Get HOPE!
Anyone struggling to pay their property taxes needs to know that help is available in MorningSide. Depending on your household income and personal circumstances, you may be eligible for the HOPE program, but you need to apply soon. The deadline to apply for property tax relief this year is Monday, December 13.
HOPE (formerly called HPTAP) stands for Homeowners Property Exemption. “The HOPE program can protect so many families from foreclosure and change thousands of households financially,” says Jawana Jackson, Program Manager at U-SNAP-BAC, one of the organizations providing property tax help in MorningSide. “Many families have to make the difficult decision of paying their utilities or paying their property taxes. No one should have to make that choice and with HOPE many families won’t have to.”
To be eligible for the HOPE program, you must own and occupy your home as your primary residence. Most homeowners whose income is below the following guidelines are generally approved. If your income is higher than the guidelines, but you have special circumstances such as high medical bills, you may still qualify for HOPE. If approved, you will be responsible for any fees such as the solid waste fee, which is discounted to $120 for HOPE approved homeowners.
It's important to get your required documentation in order as soon as possible. You’ll need:
A completed Michigan Department of Treasury Form 5737 (Application for MCL 211.7u Poverty Exemption)
Registered proof of ownership (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.
If your income is higher than the guidelines, you can list appropriate debts and expenses with supporting documentation, which may be used to offset your income.
If your income or assets are higher than the guidelines, please explain your special circumstances and why your application should be approved.
2020 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)
Proof of residency for all minors in the household (such as FIA Statement, Report Card, Transcript, minor listed on tax return, etc.)
The paperwork required can be intimidating, but the good news is that you don’t have to manage it alone. Help is available at two locations in MorningSide. One is U-SNAP-BAC, at 14901 E. Warren (at the corner of Alter Rd.). They are available Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 313-640-1100 to make an appointment. Or call Jackie Grant, 313-720-3904, President of Friends of the Alger Theater, to make an appointment for help filling out your application for the HOPE program.
