Detroit residents will be able to pay taxes with crypto from mid-2025

As a seasoned analyst with a deep-rooted passion for both technology and finance, I find Detroit’s decision to accept cryptocurrency payments for taxes and city fees as a bold, innovative step towards modernization. Having closely followed the rise of blockchain technologies and their potential impact on various industries, I am genuinely excited about Detroit’s intent to explore blockchain’s civic applications.


Detroit is planning to permit its citizens to settle their taxes and municipal charges using cryptocurrencies, as the city aims to “update” and entice blockchain businesses within its borders, as indicated by a statement issued by Detroit’s Treasury Office.

In a statement on November 7th, Detroit’s Treasury announced that they will introduce cryptocurrency payment options beginning mid-2025, which will be handled through a secure platform overseen by PayPal.

As a researcher, I’ve noticed that the recent announcement didn’t specify which cryptocurrencies Detroit will accept as payment. However, it’s worth noting that PayPal currently supports several significant digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), and their proprietary stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD).

Detroit stated that embracing cryptocurrency is a component of their larger strategy to “update” their payment systems, enhance internal operational effectiveness, and foster an environment that attracts blockchain companies to relocate to the city.

In a statement, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed excitement about Detroit creating a tech-friendly atmosphere that boosts both residents and business owners. He also mentioned that Detroit is among the initial major U.S. cities investigating ways to apply blockchain technology for civic purposes, and plans to let residents utilize their digital currencies as a means of payment within the city.

In addition to introducing cryptocurrency as a method of payment, Detroit is also reaching out to blockchain innovators and business owners by inviting them to present their proposals for blockchain-based civic projects to Justin Onwenu, the city’s director of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.

Individuals wanting to propose blockchain-based civic ideas for Detroit have until December 15th to submit their thoughts via an email to the city.

Onwenu expressed enthusiasm about blockchain technologies, stating they could lead to increased accessibility, productivity, openness, and safety. We look forward to hearing from pioneering entrepreneurs in this field,” says Onwenu.

When Detroit adopts cryptocurrency as a form of payment, it will join an expanding list of American cities and states, such as Miami Lakes in Florida and Willston in South Dakota, which already accept cryptocurrencies for tax payments and city services.

Colorado and Louisiana allow the use of cryptocurrency, to some extent, for civic services. They usually collaborate with external payment providers like PayPal or BitPay to facilitate these transactions.

Detroit’s latest undertaking follows the election of President Donald Trump, a proponent of cryptocurrency, by three days.

The cryptocurrency sector is eagerly awaiting the prospect of pro-cryptocurrency measures and regulatory certainty under the Trump administration. This could involve replacing the current Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, Gary Gensler, and even establishing a national strategic Bitcoin reserve as a possible move.

Read More

2024-11-08 04:20