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Detroit to Accept Crypto for Tax Payments, Becoming Largest US City to Adopt Digital Currency
- Michigan has announced that Detroit will accept cryptocurrency for taxes, becoming the largest US city to do so.
- Detroit’s crypto payment platform, managed by PayPal, aims to enhance accessibility and operational efficiency.
- Other states like Louisiana have also launched crypto payments for services in 2024, while some cities are accepting it for certain transactions.
The adoption of crypto continues to accelerate. With the Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) approved and trading – and the potential for more altcoin ETFs to come later – we’re now seeing US cities and states embracing crypto.
Related: Spot Bitcoin ETFs Experience Record-Breaking Inflows, IBIT Hits $1 Billion Volume in 20 Minutes
While some large pension funds have started to allocate a portion to the ETFs, like the Wisconsin State Investment Board or the Michigan State Pension Fund, payments appear to be next.
Continuing with the Great Lakes state, Michigan and its largest city have just announced their acceptance of crypto payments for taxes.
Crypto Payments to Benefit Crypto-Natives and Unbanked, Says Treasurer
The Motor City is not the first to do so though, in 2022 Colorado became the first US state to accept crypto for a variety of tax payments, for example individual income tax, business income tax and sales tax. Utah followed Colorado’s lead allowing residents to pay state taxes with crypto.
In September 2024 Louisiana started to accept crypto payments for certain services, with some of the available options including Bitcoin and USDC. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was the first state agency to process a crypto payment.
Detroit’s move will, however, make it the largest US city to allow crypto payments. The payments will be managed by PayPal and go through a secure platform, Treasurer Nikhil Patel said in a statement.
The platform should improve “customer experience and improve internal operational efficiency”, Patel added. But it’s not only for crypto-purists; unbanked people will also benefit from the new system.
This new payment platform will increase accessibility for Detroiters who would like to use cryptocurrency; more importantly, the platform upgrade will also make it easier for Detroiters to make electronic payments – including those who may be unbanked.
Nikhil Patel, City of Detroit Treasurer Related: On the Radar – Coins to Watch: DOGE and SUI
The city said the move is part of a larger strategy “to explore innovative technologies that could enhance public services, strengthen civic engagement, and foster economic growth”.
They also encourage blockchain developers and entrepreneurs to come up with novel ideas and pitch them to the “City of Detroit’s first Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity”.
Another city to dabble in crypto is Miami, which has created its own MiamiCoin, although it does not yet allow crypto payments. Williston in North Dakota lets residents pay their utility bills with crypto, while Miami Lakes in Florida accepts crypto payments for town services, including permits and licenses.
Author
Aaron Feuerstein
Aaron Feuerstein is a freelance writer based in Melbourne. His focus is on decentralised finance and the regulatory space surrounding blockchain. He holds a Master's in Accounting. When he is not studying the latest legal case, he enjoys his time as a modest but eager hobby cook.
