City Income Tax E-FIle FAQs

You can e-file a City of Detroit Income Tax Return separately from your federal or state return when supported by the software.  Visit http://www.MIfastfile.org for a list of e-file resources, how to find an e-file provider and more information on free e-file services.

If you are e-filing your City of Detroit return with your federal and State return, Michigan accepts the federal signature.

If you are e-filing your City of Detroit return separately from your federal or state return you must sign your return by:

• Completing Form MI-8453, Michigan Individual Income Tax Declaration.  If you choose to complete Form MI-8453, a copy should be retained for six years. Do not mail Form MI-8453 to Treasury, or
• Provide the Electronic Signature Alternative (ESA).  The ESA’s shared secrets are from your return as originally filed, an amended return, or the return as corrected by Treasury.  Shared secrets consist of your:
  • Social Security Number(s)
  • Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or total household resources from the previous year’s return; and
  • Tax due or refund amount from the previous year’s return.
     

Yes. You may e-file an amended return to correct an error on your original return when supported by the software. 

The IRS and Michigan Department of Treasury do not charge for e-file. The cost varies depending on the tax preparer, software package, or online provider you select for e-file. You may be able to e-file for free. To see if you qualify, visit www.MIfastfile.org to find out more about free e-file offerings.

When you e-file and owe tax, your payment is due April 15. To avoid penalty and interest, payment of taxes due should be made on or before April15.

There are now two ways to pay tax due on e-filed returns:
     •  Direct Debit. Payment on a tax due return can be made using direct debit at the time the return is e-filed, when supported by the   
        software.
     •  Or, submit your payment with Form 5122 City Individual Income Tax E-file Payment Voucher (City-V). Your tax preparer
        or computer software will provide a copy of the form. You can e-file your return at any time during the e-file processing
        season; however, the City-V must be included when payment is submitted. Do not include a copy of your return with
        your payment.

Payments are not accepted via telephone.