Lansing, MI - With the state individual income tax filing season beginning in late January 2021, the Michigan Department of Treasury is asking taxpayers to take a couple of actions today to ensure returns are processed promptly.
Taxpayers are encouraged to begin gathering tax-related documents and updating their home addresses with current and previous employers so W-2s and other financial documents can be mailed to the correct address. Incorrect addresses typically lead to information being mailed to the wrong location and could cause delays when filing tax returns.
“Please make sure your address is updated with current and previous employers,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “I encourage taxpayers to take a few moments out of their holiday schedules to ensure all of their paperwork is in order for the upcoming individual income tax season.”
Other notable items for Michigan’s 2021 individual income tax filing season (2020 tax year):
- Beginning in January 2021, forms and instructions may be viewed and downloaded from www.michigan.gov/taxes. In addition, commonly used forms will continue to be available at Treasury offices, public libraries, northern Michigan post offices and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services county offices.
- When tax season begins in late January, taxpayers can e-file their state tax returns instead of mailing a paper return. To learn more, go to www.mifastfile.org.
- Taxpayers may elect to use direct debit when e-filing their 2020 tax returns. A direct debit is a tax payment the state Treasury Department electronically withdraws from the taxpayer’s bank account using the bank information provided on the electronically filed return.
- State income tax filers have the option of making payments electronically using the Michigan Department of Treasury’s e-Payments system. Payments can be made by using, electronic payment (eCheck), credit card or debit card.
- The ability to claim a refund for the 2016 tax year expires on April 18, 2021.
- Taxpayers who have been recent victims of identity theft are asked to report their circumstances to the state Treasury Department. Reporting identity theft helps thwart cybercriminals who attempt to file returns and steal state tax refunds. To learn more about tax-related identity theft, go to www.michigan.gov/identitytheft.
A complete list of developments for the 2020 tax year is available.
To learn the latest about state of Michigan taxes, go to www.michigan.gov/taxes or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury. Federal tax information is available at www.irs.gov.