E29. Is the MBT e-file mandate on the taxpayer, the preparer or the software developer?

Beginning with the 2010 tax year, Michigan will have an enforced Michigan Business Tax (MBT) e-file mandate.

Developers producing MBT tax preparation software and computer-generated forms must support e-file for all eligible Michigan forms that are included in their software package. All eligible MBT returns prepared using tax preparation software or computer-generated forms must be e-filed.

Treasury will not process computer-generated paper returns that are eligible to be e-filed. A notice will be mailed to the taxpayer indicating that their return was not filed in the proper form and content and must be e-filed. Payment received with a paper return will be processed and credited to the taxpayer's account even when the return is not processed.

For this process to be successful and have the least possible impact will require participation by taxpayers, preparers and the software developers.