LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Although tax season doesn’t begin until late January, Michigan officials are advising citizens to begin preparing to file returns early.
Among other preparation tips, officials are advising citizens to make sure all addresses are up-to-date and that all W-2 forms from current and previous employers are obtained as soon as possible.
Incorrect addresses are cited as a common factor in delayed tax returns.
“Taxpayers who prepare today are less likely to face processing delays,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “I encourage taxpayers to take a few moments out of their busy holiday schedules to ensure all of their paperwork is in order.”
In a statement, the department also provides the following tips and information for taxes:
- Beginning in January 2020, 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, most 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 2019 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 2015 tax year expires on April 15, 2020.
- 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 and steal a state tax refunds. To learn more about tax-related identity theft, go to www.michigan.gov/identitytheft.
More information about Michigan taxes can be found by visiting www.michigan.gov/taxes or by following the state Treasury Department on Twitter at @MITreasury.
Federal tax information is available at www.irs.gov.
