Those who jumped into action shortly after getting forms W-2 in the mail likely haven’t thought about taxes since early March. Those who don’t file their income taxes until the due date loved the fact that there was one upside to the pandemic and that was the three-month extension on the task of tax filing granted by both the state and federal governments. Now, however, it’s crunch time for those who have put it off.
The Michigan Department of Treasury is issuing reminders that those taxpayers who have not yet filed their state income tax returns are urged to take advantage of the last weekend before the July 15th deadline to ensure accuracy.
State income tax returns must be submitted electronically or sent through the U.S. Postal Service before midnight on Wednesday, July 15th. For the convenience of taxpayers, the state’s individual income tax deadline is the same as the Internal Revenue Service.
Michigan Treasury officials tell you that choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is convenient, safe and secure. Last year, more than 4.3-million Michigan taxpayers e-filed, which is 80-percent of all state income tax filers. More information about e-filing is available at this link: http://www.michigan.gov/mifastfile
Individuals who e-file typically receive their refunds around two weeks after receiving confirmation that the tax return was accepted by the state of Michigan.
Taxpayers are encouraged to check with their tax preparers to see if they can provide remote tax preparation services.
Tax Payments
Taxpayers can pay their outstanding tax balance by eCheck, debit or credit card.
Individual income tax estimated payments for tax year 2020 – originally due April 15th and June 15th – are due on July 15th. Typically, taxpayers who are self-employed, investors, retirees and others often need to make estimated payments because a substantial part of their income is not subject to withholding tax.
Individuals should write the last four digits of their Social Security number on the memo line of the check or electronic payment to ensure the payment can be matched to the account.
Payment vouchers should be included with tax payments when available.
Individual Income Tax Extensions
Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15th deadline can request an extension to October 15th, 2020. Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by July 15th, 2020, to avoid additional interest and penalties.
Individual Income Tax Questions
Individuals can check the status of a refund or ask tax-related questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Treasury Self-Service website.
Under Executive Order 2020-26 signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, all April 2020 state income tax filing deadlines in Michigan were pushed back to July 2020 as a part of continued efforts to help Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 17th, the state Treasury Department issued further guidance about new state income tax filing deadlines, income tax extensions and estimated tax payments.
To learn more about Michigan’s income tax, you can go to this link: http://www.michigan.gov/incometax or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.
