Home Heating Credit ? Overview

Has my Home Heating Credit claim been processed yet?

For reasons of security we are unable to provide account specific information. You may obtain this information by using Individual Self Serve.

For privacy and security reasons you will be asked for your social security number, name, filing status and total household resources for 2012 or total household income for tax years 2011 and prior.

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I sent my energy draft to my heat provider, but they told me they have no record of receiving it. What should I do now?

Allow 60-90 days for your draft to be applied to your account. After the allowed time frame, call the Michigan Department of Treasury at 517-636-4486. If your draft has been cashed, the representative will give you information so you can trace it. If it has not been cashed, you will be advised what to do to replace it.

Assistance is available using TTY through the Michigan Relay Center by calling 1-800-649-3777 or 711. Printed material in an alternate format may be obtained by calling (517) 636-4486.

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I was sent an energy draft for my Home Heating Credit, but I can't use it because:

• I have moved since filing my Home Heating Credit claim, and I no longer have a heat account
• I no longer live in Michigan
• I heat with bulk fuel and will not need to purchase anymore before the void date on the draft
• I cut my own wood for heat
• My heat provider does not accept energy drafts.

Mail the draft and a letter of explanation to:
Customer Contact Division -RRF
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30757
Lansing, MI 48909

Your letter of explanation should include:

• An explanation of why the draft cannot be used
• Any supporting documentation including lease agreements, or additional income information.
• Copies of your heating bills

Please note: The information will be reviewed and you will receive a response within 90 days.

Be sure to include a day time phone number.

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I'm having problems getting credit for my Home Heating draft or receiving the refund of the draft balance back from my heat provider. What should I do?

The Michigan Public Service Commission is empowered to enforce the Home Heating Credit law as it pertains to regulated utilities. If your heat provider is not a regulated utility, they will refer you to the proper agency for assistance. Visit the Public Service Commission Web site for Information about Consumer Complaints.

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I have received a Home Heating draft, but there is a mistake on it. Can I still use it?

Usually, if the mistake is small (typographical error, transposed numbers, letters) the company will honor the draft. However, if you are concerned or are not satisfied with the draft, you may return it by mail to:

Customer Contact Division -RRF
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30757
Lansing, MI 48909

Please identify the mistake(s) and include a letter identifying the corrections to be made. You will receive a response within 90 days.

Be sure to include a daytime phone number.

What are the qualifying income levels for this year's Home Heating Credit? What is the standard allowance?

The qualifying income levels for the 2012 Home Heating Credit are as follows:

TABLE A
Standard Allowance for the Standard Credit Computation 

TABLE B
Exemptions and Maximum Income for the Alternate Credit Computation

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Where can I get Forms & Instructions for the Home Heating Credit Claim?

If you filed a home heating credit last year that was not printed from a tax preparation software package, you will be mailed a booklet directly to the address on your last year's claim.

• Download the MI-1040CR-7 Instruction booklet
• Download the MI-1040CR-7 Form
• Call 517-636-4486 to have Home Heating Credit forms and instructions mailed to you.
• Home Heating Credit forms and instructions are available at Treasury offices and at most public libraries, Northern Michigan post offices, Michigan Secretary of State branch offices, and Department of Human Services (DHS) branch offices.

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What if my spouse is deceased, but his or her name is also on the draft? Can I still use the draft?

Yes. You can still use the draft, if your spouse's name is on the heat account. In the event your heat provider does not accept it, you may return the draft with a letter explaining your request. Be sure to include a copy of the death certificate along with a day time phone number. Mail to:

Customer Contact Division -RRF
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30757
Lansing, MI 48909

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What should I do if I have a prior year Home Heating draft in my possession?

Return the draft with an explanation requesting a replacement check, along with a day time phone number to:

Customer Contact Division -RRF
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30757
Lansing, MI 48909

The information will be reviewed. You will receive a response within 90 days.

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The individual named on the Home Heating draft is deceased. What should be done with the draft?

Return the draft and submit a Claim for Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer (Form MI-1310) and a copy of the death certificate or court issued Letters of Authority to:

Customer Contact Division -RRF
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30757
Lansing, MI 48909

The information will be reviewed. The claimant or personal representative of the estate will receive a response within 90 days.

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What should I do if I was sent a Home Heating draft for my Home Heating Credit, but my heating costs are included in my rent or the heat account where I live is under someone else's name?

Mail the draft with a letter of explanation and a day time phone number to:

Customer Contact Division -RRF
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30757
Lansing, MI 48909

Your letter of explanation should include:

• An explanation of why the draft cannot be used
• Any supporting documentation including lease agreements, or additional income information.

The information will be reviewed. You will receive a response within 90 days.

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I've been informed that my Home Heating Credit has been processed and an energy draft has been sent, but I have not received it yet. What do I do?

Allow 30 days from the date the draft was issued. After 30 days contact the Michigan Department of Treasury at 517-636-4486 or submit a customer service request by using "Check My Income Tax Info" and select "Submit a Question to Treasury".

If your address is incorrect for Treasury, you can change your address by using the Check My Income Tax Info feature on this web site. For privacy and security reasons you will be asked for your social security number, name, filing status, adjusted gross income/total household resources for 2012 or total household income for tax years 2011 and prior for the year you select.

1. Click on the "Check My Income Tax Info" option on the home page located in the left-hand column.
2. Select the option "Change my address".
3. After verification of your identification, choose the appropriate link "Change my address".

Follow the direction given on the next page to request a change of address.

If your address is correct for Treasury, please verify with the post office that they have the correct address information on file. It may be helpful to inform them if you are experiencing difficulty receiving a State of Michigan check.

Allow 30 days form the date the draft was issued. After 30 days contact the Michigan Department of Treasury at 517-636-4486 or submit a customer service request by using "Check My Income Tax Info" and select "Submit a Question to Treasury"

Note: If your address has changed, make sure to include your new address and a day time phone number in your request. If you change your address we recommended that you complete the required document with your local post office.

Telephone help is available for the Deaf or Hearing Impaired using teletypewriter (TTY) equipment through the Michigan Relay Center by calling 1-800-649-3777 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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I lost my energy draft. What should I do?

Please call the Customer Contact Division at 517-636-4486 or submit a customer service request by using Individual Self Service and select "Submit a Question to Treasury". An affidavit will be mailed to you to sign and return. Your draft will be replaced within approximately 90 days after the Department of Treasury receives your signed affidavit.

For privacy and security reasons you will be asked to enter your social security number, name, filing status, adjusted gross income/total household resources for 2012 or total household income for tax years 2011 and prior for the year you select

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What should I do if my home heating draft was damaged and my heat provider will not accept the draft?

Return the draft with an explanation requesting a replacement check, along with a day time phone number to:

Customer Contact Division -RRF
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30757
Lansing, MI 48909

The information will be reviewed. You will receive a response within 90 days.

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What is the definition of total household resources or household income?

For 2012 total household resources are the total income (taxable and nontaxable) of both spouses or of a single person maintaining a household, excluding the following:

• net business and farm losses
• net rent and royalty losses
• any carryback or carryover for a net operating loss

For 2011 and prior years household income is the total income (taxable and nontaxable) of both spouses or of a single person maintaining a household.

View a partial list of items included in Michigan taxable income.
The list serves as a guide and is not intended to replace the law

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How do I change my address?

You may change your address through the Check My Income Tax Info option on this web site. Your request should include your complete name, both your old and new addresses, your Social Security Number and a day time phone number.

To change your address by mail, please send the information to:

Customer Contact Division
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30058
Lansing, MI 48909

To change your address on this web site.

1. Click on the "Check My Income Tax Info" option on the home page located in the left-hand column.
2. Select the option "Change my address".
3. After verification of your identification, choose the appropriate link "Change my address".

For privacy and security reasons you will be asked for your Social Security number, last name, filing status and adjusted gross income or total household resources for 2012 or household income for tax years 2011 and prior for the year you select. Follow the directions given on the next page to request a change of address.

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