Thanks to fast action by Michigan government leaders, Michigan taxpayers now have the same tax filing deadline for State of Michigan individual income tax annual returns as the federal government, with taxes now due on May 17, 2021, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
The new filing deadline comes after the Internal Revenue Service extended its deadline to the same date. For the benefit and convenience of taxpayers, both the beginning and end of income tax filing season are the same as the IRS.
Gov. Whitmer says, “I’m happy to announce that we are giving Michiganders extra time on their taxes this year,” adding, “This has been a difficult year for everyone, and by moving the income tax payment date, I hope families have the buffer they need to get their finances in order. I am grateful for the money going out to Michiganders under the American Rescue Plan and proud of the state-level pandemic relief we’ve delivered to families and small businesses. Together, we’ll build our economy back better.”
State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks says, “Taxpayers are trying to understand how the federal stimulus and the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their taxes,” and adds, “We are continuously evaluating how we can assist taxpayers. Changing the state’s filing and payment deadlines can help individuals figure out their next steps as we navigate these extraordinary times.”
Matt Hall, Chairman of the House Tax Policy committee, reports, “Our members have been adamant to find relief everywhere we can for the people of the State of Michigan,” and notes, “We have been prepared with legislation to extend the April 15th filing deadline this year and we’re grateful that Treasury and the administration are working to waive penalties and interest in the meantime.”
House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski of Scio Township says, “Federal COVID-19 relief, including moving the due date for individual income tax returns to May 17th, is vital to our recovery as a state,” and adds, “We need to do everything we can to get relief to Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic; extending the deadline to file taxes is a part of what is needed and the right thing to do.”
Under a Taxpayer Notice issued by the state Treasury Department, state individual income tax annual returns and payments are now due before 11:59 pm on May 17, 2021.
Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the May 17th deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2021. Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by May 17, 2021, to avoid additional interest and penalties.
Because the extension is limited to the 2020 taxes, first quarter estimates for tax year 2021 remain due on April 15, 2021, just as in the case of federal tax dollars.
Taxpayers who are owed a refund are encouraged to file their state income tax returns so they can receive their refunds. More information about e-filing is available at http://www.michigan.gov/mifastfile.
Changes to city income tax deadlines still require state legislation, and Detroit Senator Stephanie Chang says, “It is imperative the Michigan Legislature quickly pass legislation extending the city tax deadline in our state to parallel the recent extension at the federal level,” concluding, “Hardworking Detroiters and their families have disproportionately struggled in countless ways during the pandemic, and this small but significant gesture would go a long way toward ensuring all parties are accounted for this tax season.”
