Wayne County property owners who are behind on their taxes now have a digital lifeline, with the Treasurer’s Office rolling out online enrollment for payment plans and hardship extensions designed to keep homes out of foreclosure. Eligible residents can apply from home instead of trekking downtown, and officials say paperwork and eligibility checks can all be handled online. The county has set March 31, 2026, as the enrollment cutoff for these taxpayer-assistance options.
In a press release from the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office, Treasurer Eric R. Sabree put it bluntly: "We don’t want anyone to lose their home or property to foreclosure, and we have taxpayer assistance programs that you can access online to help you." The release also reminds residents that once they sign up for a plan, they must keep up with their scheduled payments to stay in good standing.
What the online plans include
The county’s online toolkit highlights three main options: a Stipulated Payment Agreement (REGSPA), a Distressed Owner/Occupant Extension (DOOE) for owner-occupants facing hardship, and an Interest Reduction Stipulated Payment Agreement (IRSPA). As reported by the Michigan Chronicle, the goal is to give qualifying taxpayers a structured way to catch up on delinquent bills without immediately staring down foreclosure.
Interest relief and eligibility
The IRSPA option is aimed at owner-occupied homes and, according to the Treasurer’s payment-plans page, reduces the interest rate from 18% to 6% for eligible taxpayers, a cut that can significantly shrink the total cost of repayment. That same guidance notes that applicants must show proof of residency, such as a Principal Residence Exemption or similar documentation, to qualify. IRSPA can also roll multiple years of delinquent taxes into a single agreement. Application forms and multilingual materials are available on the county site for residents who need them.
How to sign up and pay
Residents are directed to start by reviewing program details and eligibility rules on the Treasurer’s payment-plans portal, then complete the appropriate online application. According to the Michigan Chronicle, the Treasurer’s site links users to the county tax portal where they can look up bills and make payments, and also offers appointment scheduling for anyone who needs in-person help.
Where this fits in the county's work
The online push is part of a broader effort by county officials to cut down on home loss and address back taxes. Wayne County has also been working to return millions in proceeds from past tax sales and to adjust foreclosure practices as it processes claims from prior auctions. Recently, the county returned over $3.8 million to former property owners as part of that effort, per Hoodline.
Residents who need help sorting through the options can call the Treasurer’s Office at (313) 224-5990 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for assistance with eligibility, documentation, and the online application process. Staff can also advise on veteran or first-responder exceptions and other programs that may reduce or delay payment obligations.
