Detroit Embraces the Future: Crypto Payments for Taxes Coming in 2025

Yele Bademosi
March 24, 2025
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Taxes

Detroit is stepping into the future by allowing residents to settle their taxes and city fees using cryptocurrency. Announced by the Detroit Office of Treasury, this groundbreaking initiative aims to modernize the city’s financial infrastructure and attract blockchain innovators.

A New Era for Payments in Detroit

Starting mid-2025, Detroiters will have the option to pay their taxes using digital currencies through a secure payment platform managed by PayPal. While the city hasn’t specified which cryptocurrencies will be accepted, PayPal currently supports major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), and PayPal USD (PYUSD).

TaxesTaxes
Detroit residents will be able to pay their taxes with crypto starting mid-2025. Source: Detroit Office of the Treasury

Attracting Innovation and Blockchain Talent

Detroit’s decision to integrate cryptocurrency into its financial system isn’t just about convenience—it’s a strategic move to foster innovation. Speaking on the initiative, Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized that the city is actively working to create a tech-friendly environment, inviting blockchain entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to Detroit.

In fact, the city is openly seeking blockchain innovators to pitch civic applications for the technology. Entrepreneurs interested in submitting their ideas have until December 15 to email their proposals to Justin Onwenu, Detroit’s Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity.

“Blockchain technologies have the potential to drive greater accessibility, efficiency, transparency, and security, and we’re excited to hear from entrepreneurs at the forefront of this work.”
Justin Onwenu

Following in the Footsteps of Other Crypto-Friendly Cities

Detroit’s move aligns with a growing trend across the U.S. Several cities and states, including Miami Lakes (Florida) and Williston (North Dakota), already accept crypto payments for civic services. Additionally, Colorado and Louisiana allow crypto payments through third-party providers like PayPal and BitPay.

This shift signals a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies in government operations, potentially positioning Detroit as a leader in blockchain adoption among major U.S. cities.

A Crypto-Friendly Political Climate

The announcement comes just days after Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election—a development that has stirred optimism in the crypto space. The industry anticipates pro-crypto regulations, potential policy shifts, and even the proposed firing of SEC Chair Gary Gensler under the new administration.

With Detroit now embracing cryptocurrency, the future looks increasingly digital. As more governments explore blockchain’s potential, the question isn’t if crypto will become mainstream, but how soon.


📢 What do you think about Detroit’s move towards crypto-friendly policies? Would you pay your taxes in Bitcoin or Ethereum? Let us know in the comments! 🚀

Author Yele Bademosi