LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As the tax season approaches, it’s important to make sure that those filing take advantage of all applicable tax changes in Michigan.

Changes that could impact taxpayers.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer encouraged residents to pay particular attention to new state changes that could have large effects on eligible taxpayers. 

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“Working families and retirees will save and get more money back when they file their taxes this year,” said Governor Whitmer. “Last year, we rolled back the retirement tax and quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, saving hundreds of thousands of Michiganders money on their taxes. I am so proud our new legislative majority delivered over $1 billion in tax relief to help Michiganders care for their families, pay the bills, or save for a rainy day. Let’s keep working together to lower costs and ensure anyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

When can I file?

On Monday, the window to file 2023 tax state individual income tax returns began both electronically and by mailing in paper forms.  The deadline is April 15, 2024 for postage to be postmarked by. The beginning and end of the individual income tax filing season are the same as the Internal Revenue Service. 

“Working families and retirees have substantial benefits and options to consider when filing their taxes this year,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “These taxpayers have a lot to gain from the increased Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families, ‘Retirement Tax’ rollback or other available tax credits. I encourage taxpayers to seek out a reputable tax preparer or use tax preparation software. We don’t want eligible taxpayers to miss out on these important benefits.” 

Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (Michigan EITC) for Working Families: 

Michigan’s 2023 tax return, forms, and instructions reflect the expansion of Michigan EITC for Working Families from 6% to 30% under the Lowering MI Costs Plan. 

The law will not go into effect until Feb. 13, 2024, but it’s recommended to eligible taxpayers to not delay in filing their 2023 tax returns. 

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“The Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) will work impacted returns as they are received and prepare them for release as soon as the law takes effect,” according to the governor’s office. 

Legislator warns about future tax seasons. 

State Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord) is calling for legislative action on a recently introduced Republican plan that would reduce state income tax to 3.9% immediately. 

“Democrats are proving that even if someone only has two nickels to their name, they’ll

happily take both under the guise of helping vulnerable people,” Borton said. “Vulnerable people need their two nickels and a whole lot more tax relief if they’re ever going to dig out from under the mountain of bills created by inflation. We’re dealing with another massive revenue surplus this year. The state is well within its means to secure tax relief for working people.”

In addition, Rep. Borton called attention to the legislative deal struck in 2007 to temporarily increase the state income tax rate from 3.9% to 4.35% which was eventually reduced to 4.25% in 2012.  Despite it dropping to 4.05% in 2023, the tax will rise again to 4.25% under a Democratic majority. 

“Folks across Michigan were promised a lower income tax, but the state never delivered,” Borton said. “The Republican plan to lower the income tax fulfills that pledge to voters. People go to their jobs every day and work hard for their income. By imposing higher taxes, the governor and Lansing Democrats are forcing the whole of Michigan to bankroll their plan to help rich people buy electric vehicles. It’s deeply concerning that Democrats in leadership truly believe helping the wealthy afford nicer cars is more important than securing tax relief for the working class.”

Tax Year 2022 Michigan EITC for Working Families supplemental checks.

On Feb. 13, 2024, Treasury will begin issuing supplemental check payments over a 5-to-6-week period to provide eligible taxpayers with the remaining 24% portion of the Michigan EITC for Working Families for the 2022 tax year according to the Governor’s office.  The additional 24% adjustment checks for tax year 2022 will average $618 per recipient.   

How do I file?

Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is convenient, safe and secure according to the Governor’s office. Last year, around 4.7 million Michigan taxpayers e-filed, which is 90% of state individual income tax filers. For more information about e-filing, go to www.mifastfile.org. 

 Individuals with low income, disabilities or are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1. 

Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org.