Course Catalog
Our courses are designed around the most common reasons Wayne County homeowners fall into delinquency and lose their homes. Whether you are here to get ahead of a problem or navigate one you are already facing, there is a course for where you are right now. Beyond the five core courses required for certification, we also offer specialized tracks for seniors, heirs, homeowners in active hardship, and small property owners
Core Courses
The five core courses cover everything a Wayne County homeowner needs to understand about property taxes, from how your bill is calculated to what to do if you have fallen behind. Complete all five to earn your Taxpayer University certificate and unlock access to assistance programs through the Wayne County Homeownership Preservation Initiative.
Understanding Property Taxes 101
Covers how your property's assessed value is determined and how that number translates into your tax bill. You will learn what property taxes actually fund in your community, how millage rates are set and applied, and why your summer and winter bills may be different. The course also explains the difference between current and delinquent taxes and walks through exactly what happens, and when, if taxes go unpaid.
Preventing Property Tax Delinquency
Covers how to build a personal 8 to 12 month tax savings plan so your bill is never a surprise. You will learn how to budget for annual property taxes alongside your other household expenses, how to avoid the penalties and interest that accumulate quickly on unpaid balances, and how to communicate proactively with the county if you anticipate falling behind. The course also walks through the full forfeiture and foreclosure timeline so you understand the deadlines that matter most
Exemptions & Relief Programs Explained
Covers every major exemption available to Wayne County homeowners including the Principal Residence Exemption, poverty exemptions, senior exemptions, and disabled veteran exemptions. You will learn what each program requires, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply including the documentation needed for each. The course also covers payment plan options available through the county for homeowners who have already fallen behind.
Payment Plans & Repayment Strategies
Covers the full range of structured repayment options available to Wayne County homeowners who have fallen behind on taxes. You will learn the difference between income based and non-income based plans, how 0% repayment models work versus interest bearing options, and how the terms of your repayment plan affect your future tax standing with the county. The course also addresses the habits and strategies that reduce the likelihood of repeat delinquency after a balance is resolved.
Financial Literacy for Homeowners
Covers the fundamentals that keep a household stable when unexpected costs arise. Topics include budgeting for expenses, building an emergency savings, and managing the impact of medical bills on your ability to stay current on taxes. The course explains how escrow accounts work and why they matter for long term homeownership stability. It also covers credit awareness and the basics of heirs property and title clarity, two areas that create risk for homeowners who have never had access to formal financial guidance.
Specialized Courses
Available to any enrolled participant. These courses address specific circumstances that require dedicated guidance beyond the core curriculum. No prerequisites required.
Taxpayer University for Seniors
Designed for homeowners 65 and older, this course addresses the specific financial and legal circumstances that come with fixed income living and long term homeownership. Covers senior specific tax exemptions, how to budget for property taxes on a fixed income, the basics of estate planning and property transfer, and how to recognize and avoid the scams and predatory practices that disproportionately target older homeowners.
Heirs Property and Title Education
For homeowners who inherited a property without going through formal probate, often without realizing the risk that creates. Covers what heirs property means, why unclear title can disqualify you from exemptions and assistance programs, and what steps you can take toward establishing legal ownership. Many Wayne County families have lived in inherited homes for decades without knowing their title status puts everything at risk.
Homeownership Preservation Strategies
For homeowners currently facing a hardship that is threatening their ability to stay current on taxes. Covers how to respond to job loss or medical emergencies without losing your home, how to navigate community resources and housing counselors, and the difference between crisis response and prevention. This course is for homeowners who need to act now, not prepare for later.
Landlord and Small Property Owner Responsibility
A specialized track for owners of rental or multi unit properties in Wayne County. Covers the difference between owner occupant and non owner occupant tax status, the specific tax responsibilities that apply to rental properties, how to budget across multiple parcels, and basic risk management strategies to avoid delinquency on properties that are not your primary residence.
