Total Household Resources and Household Income

Total Household Resources or Household Income is used to determine eligibility for Homestead Property Tax Credit and Home Heating Credit. One of the most frequent reasons for adjustment or denial of these two credits is an error in reporting all income.

What are Total Household Resources?

Beginning in 2012, household income has been replaced with total household resources. Total household resources include all income (taxable and nontaxable) received by all adult household members during the year, including income that might be exempt from federal adjusted gross income. Net losses from business activity may not be used to reduce total household resources.

2012 – Checklist for Determining Total Household Resources

What is Household Income?

For 2011 and prior years, household income includes all income (taxable and nontaxable) received by all adult household members during the year, including income that might be exempt from federal adjusted gross income.

2011 and Prior Years – Checklist for Determining Household Income

View a partial list of income that is taxable in Michigan, included in household income and/or included in adjusted gross income “Income and Deductible Items”.

What is Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)?

Adjusted gross income is the amount of income determined to be taxable by the Internal Revenue Service on the federal tax return. View www.irs.gov for more information.

If you were a full-time student, for more information view FAQ's for College/University Students.

If I am claimed as a dependent, do I qualify for a property tax credit or a home heating credit?

Home Heating Credit: Individuals who are claimed as a dependent on another person's return do not qualify for this credit. View MCL section 206.527a(11)

Property Tax Credit: If someone else has claimed you as a dependent, you may be eligible for a Property Tax credit. However, you must include all support or assistance you received from parents or others in your total household resources for 2012 or household income for 2011 and prior years. View the 2012 MI-1040 instruction booklet (for other years search available Tax Forms) for other requirements.

Also, if your AGI is $1,500 or less for single/married filing separately filers or $3,000 or less if filing a joint return, you do not need to file a return unless you are claiming a refund of withholding.