Starting in mid-2025, Detroit will be accepting crypto for tax payments as part of a larger plan to “modernize and enhance” payment methods for taxes and city services, as stated by city authorities.
In a statement, Detroit’s Office of Treasury announced that the city will soon accept cryptocurrency for taxes and other fees as part of its strategy to “modernize“ and attract blockchain companies.
On November 7, the Detroit Treasury disclosed that mid-2025 will mark the introduction of crypto payment options through a “secure payment platform managed by PayPal.”
Detroit did not clarify which cryptocurrencies it will accept, but PayPal, which manages the platform, supports a select few major crypto assets, such as Bitcoin, Ether, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and PayPal USD.
The city of Detroit revealed that adopting crypto payments is part of a broader strategy to “modernize“ its systems, enhance operational efficiency, and foster blockchain businesses in the area.
“Detroit is building a technology-friendly environment that empowers residents and entrepreneurs. We are excited to be one of the first major US cities to explore blockchain’s civic applications and allow residents to use their cryptocurrency as a payment option,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in a statement.
Detroit not only unveiled new crypto payment methods but also called on blockchain entrepreneurs to submit their ideas for “blockchain civic applications” to Justin Onwenu, the city’s director of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.
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Those who plan to pitch blockchain ideas for civic purposes to Detroit must submit their proposals by December 15 via email.
“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,” said Onwenu.
By accepting crypto, Detroit will join other U.S. locations, like Miami Lakes in Florida and Williston in South Dakota, which have already adopted cryptocurrency for tax and city service payments.
Colorado and Louisiana have also adopted cryptocurrency for civic services, partnering with third-party payment services like PayPal or BitPay to facilitate transactions.
Detroit unveiled the new initiative three days after Donald Trump, a pro-crypto advocate, was elected president.
The crypto sector looks forward to a series of pro-crypto measures and clearer regulations with the Trump administration, potentially involving the removal of SEC Chair Gary Gensler and the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve.
