Plymouth and Canton homeowners behind on property taxes can now enroll in a Wayne County payment plan that slashes the interest rate on delinquent taxes from 18% to 6%, potentially saving thousands of dollars and keeping homes out of foreclosure.

Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree announced Monday, Aug. 24, that the Interest Reduction Stipulated Payment Agreement program is again accepting enrollments online after the Michigan Legislature renewed the enabling state law earlier this summer.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the extension legislation in late July, according to the Michigan Chronicle. IRSPA had been set to expire June 30.

How it works

IRSPA bundles all past-due tax years into a single payment plan at the reduced 6% interest rate. Without the program, delinquent property taxes in Michigan accrue interest at 18%.

To qualify, homeowners must live in the property as their principal residence and have a Principal Residence Exemption on file. If the tax bill is in a name other than the current owner's, a copy of the deed is required as proof of ownership, according to the Treasurer's press release.

Delinquent taxes that remain unpaid eventually transfer to Wayne County for collection, and properties can face foreclosure if owners do not enter a payment agreement or pay in full.

How to enroll

Enrollment is open online. The Treasurer's office has not stated a deadline for the current enrollment window.

Homeowners can also visit the Wayne County Treasurer's Office at 400 Monroe in Detroit, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or call 313-224-5990.

"We urge all Wayne County and Detroit property owners who may be struggling with paying property taxes to call us or go to the Treasurer's website … to learn more about these two important foreclosure prevention programs that can help people keep their properties and stay in their homes," Sabree said in an Aug. 20 press release announcing the PAYS program.

IRSPA vs. other programs

IRSPA is distinct from the Pay As You Stay program, which opens Sept. 1 and is aimed primarily at Detroit homeowners who qualify for local property tax exemptions. Plymouth and Canton homeowners are unlikely to qualify for PAYS. IRSPA is the broader option for suburban Wayne County residents with delinquent taxes.

The Treasurer's office also offers REGSPA, a standard stipulated payment agreement, and DOOE, a distressed owner-occupant extension, for taxpayers who may not meet IRSPA's residency requirement.

Residents with questions can email [email protected] or call 313-224-5990.