Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree is applauding the signing of new legislation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that preserves two tax relief programs designed to help homeowners avoid foreclosure by reducing the cost of paying delinquent property taxes.
The legislation extends the legal authority for county treasurers across Michigan to continue offering installment payment agreements and interest reduction programs that were set to expire. Without legislative action, county treasurers would have lost the ability to offer the programs that have assisted thousands of homeowners in Wayne County.
“This is a victory for taxpayers, property owners and communities in Wayne County,” Sabree said in a statement. “Without this action by the Governor and the Legislature, these vital payment plans would have ended and left us unable to help property owners keep their homes while they worked to pay delinquent taxes.”
Sabree thanked Whitmer, members of the Michigan Legislature, Sen. Stephanie Chang, House Speaker Matt Hall, the Michigan County Treasurers Association and county treasurers statewide for supporting the legislation.
The law allows county treasurers to continue entering into Tax Foreclosure Agreements with eligible residential property owners who have fallen behind on property taxes. It also preserves Delinquent Tax Reduction programs that reduce the amount owed through lower interest, penalties and fees for homeowners who qualify for a local poverty exemption.
In Wayne County, those programs operate as Pay As You Stay (PAYS) and the Interest Reduction Stipulated Payment Agreement (IRSPA).
According to the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office, enrollment for the IRSPA program will reopen Aug. 1, while enrollment for the PAYS program is expected to begin in September, pending participation by local units of government.
Earlier this year, the Michigan Chronicle reported that the future of the IRSPA program was uncertain because the state law authorizing it was scheduled to expire on June 30 unless lawmakers acted. At that time, Sabree encouraged eligible homeowners to enroll before the deadline while legislative action remained pending. The program reduces the interest rate on eligible delinquent property taxes from 18% to 6%, allowing homeowners to consolidate multiple years of delinquent taxes into a more manageable payment agreement.
The Michigan Chronicle also reported in March that the Treasurer’s Office expanded online services to help residents enroll in taxpayer assistance programs before foreclosure deadlines. Those services included online applications for payment plans, eligibility information and appointment scheduling for residents seeking assistance with delinquent property taxes.
Wayne County’s taxpayer assistance programs include several options based on eligibility.
The Interest Reduction Stipulated Payment Agreement (IRSPA) is available to eligible owner-occupants and reduces interest charges while combining delinquent tax years into a single payment plan. The Pay As You Stay (PAYS) program provides additional relief for eligible homeowners by reducing eligible interest, penalties and fees. Other payment plan options remain available for taxpayers with different circumstances through the Treasurer’s Office.
Sabree said continuation of the programs allows the Treasurer’s Office to continue working with homeowners facing financial hardship while providing a pathway to resolve delinquent taxes.
“We appreciate the Governor’s support along with Senator Chang, Speaker Hall and the Legislature’s commitment to work with the County Treasurer’s Association and individual treasurers across the state,” Sabree said. “We are grateful that we can continue these important programs which have already helped thousands of property owners in Wayne County stay in their homes and keep their property.”
Residents seeking information about payment plans or delinquent tax assistance can contact the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office or review eligibility requirements through the county’s payment plan resources. Enrollment for IRSPA begins Aug. 1, with PAYS enrollment expected to follow in September after participating local governments complete the implementation process.
