The Detroit News analyzed 200,000 pages of Detroit data on 2011 property taxes and found that taxes were paid in full on just 53 percent of taxable properties, and that taxes were paid on time on fewer than half of the city’s properties. Athough there are many vacant properties with little value, most of the nonpayers owed at least $1,000. Mapping software showed that, by and large, neighborhoods with the most value had the highest payment rates.
Detroit’s property tax system plagued by mistakes, waste
The city’s property tax system is riddled with errors and waste, and is overseen by a pair of double-dipping officials who work just two days a week.
