State individual income tax returns due in two weeks

The Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) is reminding taxpayers that state individual income tax returns are due in two weeks.

State income tax returns must be submitted electronically or sent through the U.S. Postal Service before midnight on Wednesday, July 15. For the convenience of taxpayers, the state’s individual income tax deadline is the same as the Internal Revenue Service.

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% of state income tax filers. More information about e-filing is available at www.michigan.gov/mifastfilewww.michigan.gov/mifastfile.

Individuals who e-file typically receive their refunds around two weeks after receiving confirmation 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 15 and June 15 – are due on July 15. 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 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2020. Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by July 15, 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 17, 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, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax or follow the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.