Native American FAQs

Even though the 4013 is a completely separate sales tax refund return, it must be filed with the RTM's MI-1040. If the RTM does not have an AGI, the RTM should still fill out the return by entering a "1" for AGI and completing the rest of the return per the instructions. Please note that the 4013 credit does not feed over to the MI-1040.

The 4013 would then be filled out and filed on its own. Once received by the Department it will be matched up with the MI-1040 on file.

The 4013 guides the RTM through a process where their federal AGI is modified to include certain specified types of income. This "modified AGI" is then subjected to a predetermined cap and then multiplied by a negotiated percentage to determine the total amount of sales tax refund an RTM can claim that year. That amount may be reduced based upon the number of months the RTM was considered an RTM. E.g., if a member moves into the Agreement Area half way through the year, he or she may only take 6/12ths or one half of the credit.

A second non-obligated spouse form gets issued because the 4013 is a completely separate form that is refunding sales tax and is not carried over to the MI-1040. It is only filed with the MI-1040 income tax return for administrative purposes. The determination of the NOS share should be determined using the same rules as with any non-NOS situation.

Your credit could have been denied for a variety of reasons. You should have received a denial message from the Department. Please refer to the message and if you have a more specific question call 517-636-4486.

To eliminate confusion regarding who can use the form, Resident Tribal Members belonging to a tribe with a State/Tribal Tax Agreement must obtain the form directly from their Tribe.

It generally takes between 6 to 8 weeks to receive the refund.

In order to receive the 4013 annual sales tax credit you must file it with a Michigan income tax return. When filling out the Michigan income tax return, simply enter a "1" where the federal adjusted gross income would go and fill out the remainder of the return.

Yes. Just follow the instructions on the 4013 and it will allow you to separate out your Resident Tribal Member income and calculate the credit based only on that income.

Yes, the refund must only be calculated based on the number of months that your Tribe had an implemented agreement with the State and you qualified as a Resident Tribal Member. (See answer to question 3)

No, only members of tribes with an implemented State/Tribal Tax Agreement may file the return and only for the period they qualified as a Resident Tribal Member.

No, they are separate returns and separate warrants will be issued for each refund.

Once your Tribe and the State have adjusted their records to show your Resident Tribal Member status, complete and file an amended form 4013.

The MI-1040 should be filed pursuant to the regular instructions provided in the MI-1040 Instruction Booklet. The total income exempt per the terms of the State/Tribal tax agreement should be entered on line 20 (Miscellaneous subtractions) of the MI-1040 Schedule 1. The phrase "Resident Tribal Member Income" should be entered in the blank space provided on line 20 describing the reason for the subtraction.

Assuming a joint return, you would report your combined AGI on the appropriate line of the MI-1040 and subtract only the RTM spouse's exempt income (see answer to question 16 for instructions on how to report the subtraction). The non-RTM spouse's income is taxable regardless of whether or not earned in the Agreement Area.

An RTM's exempt wage income may be subtracted on line 20 of the MI-1040 Schedule 1 (regardless of where earned). The RTM should indicate "Resident Tribal Member Income" on the space provided. Please note that an RTM may only subtract exempt income for the period for which they qualified as an RTM (see definitions for RTM.)

Yes, if they meet the normal requirements identified under state law.

This would be handled per state or federal normal procedures without any special regard to Indian Tribal Member status.

These situations must be evaluated on a case by case basis depending on the specific exemption being claimed.

The terms of the Tax Agreement require Resident Tribal Members to file a Michigan Income tax return if a) they owe Michigan income tax, b) they are due a Michigan income tax refund, c) their federal adjusted gross income exceeds their exemption allowances or d) they filed a federal income tax return.

Yes, but only if they reside within their tribe's Indian Country (as defined in 18 USC 1151) and the income is earned within their tribe's Indian Country. They cannot claim the exemptions that are provided under the Tax Agreement.

Tribes that have implemented agreements with the state are listed on the Department of Treasury's website at www.michigan.gov/taxes under income tax or business information; click on the Native American link. Copies of the Tax Agreements can also be viewed by clicking on the Tribe's link.

If the member is considered a "Resident Tribal Member" under the tax agreement and the member meets the other criteria identified in Michigan Compiled Law 206.272, the member may claim the credit.

If the member does not live within his or her tribe's Indian Country (as defined in 18 USC 1151) and meets the other criteria identified in Michigan Compiled Law 206.272, the member may claim the credit. If the member does live within his or her tribe's Indian Country, the only way for the member to qualify for the credit would be to have activity occurring outside of their tribe's Indian Country that is subject to Michigan income tax and meet the other criteria identified in Michigan Compiled Law 206.272. If the member lives within their own tribe's Indian Country and earns all their income within their tribe's Indian Country, they do not qualify for the credit.