FAQs

What is the Renaissance Zone Program?

The Renaissance Zone Program is a collaborative effort between the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan to give tax breaks to residents and businesses, which are located within sixteen designated areas of the City of Detroit.

Which Taxes Are Exempted for Qualified Occupants of the Renaissance Zone? 

Once candidates have qualified with the City of Detroit for Renaissance Zone tax benefits, the City of Detroit, Wayne County, and the State of Michigan will waive most income and property taxes, including the local income tax, personal and real property taxes, utility user tax, state property tax, single business tax, and the 6 mil State Education tax.

 
Which Taxes Are Not Waived?

The Renaissance Zone Act is a city and state program to encourage economic development in designated areas: therefore, Federal taxes are not waived. Further, State sales tax, unemployment insurance, social security taxes and workers compensation taxes are not waived.  Sewer and water fees are not waived; all applicable debt mileages are not waived.  Other taxes and charges also may not be waived.

 
What Is Required To Qualify For These Benefits?

In order to be qualified for these benefits, Detroit residents and businesses must apply with the Renaissance Zone Processing Center, (313) 224-3053. Further, applicants must not be delinquent in any state or local taxes; applicants and qualified recipients of the program must continue to file annual State and City of Detroit income tax forms, businesses must file annual SBT returns and Personal Property statements.

 
What Are The Deadlines For Filing The Application?

Statements of Eligibility, or applications, must be filed with the Renaissance Zone Processing Center before October 15 of the current tax year to have the exemption apply to the current tax year.  Otherwise if qualified, the exemption will apply to the following tax year. For example, to qualify for the tax year of 2008 your application and all clearances must be approved by December 31, 2007.

After A Resident Or Business Qualifies For The Exemption, What Is Required Of That Resident Or Business?

Once qualified, the exemption lasts the duration of the program.  However, if the resident or business changes its status in any way, they must notify this office.  Further, each year a review of the recipients will be made to assure that they continue to comply with the requirements of the Act.