Treasury Provides Last-Minute Tips Before Individual Income Tax Filing Deadline

With the state individual income tax filing deadline before midnight tonight, the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) is providing some tips to help last-minute filers submit an accurate return.

“Today is the individual income tax season filing deadline,” said Deputy State Treasurer Kavita Kale, who oversees Treasury’s Revenue Services Program. “If you haven’t filed your individual income tax return yet, please take your time when filing a complete and accurate return. Rushing the filing process increases the risk of errors and may slow the processing of your refund.  Please take your time and thoroughly review your information before filing your return.”

To ensure an accurate income tax return is filed with the state of Michigan:

• File electronically. Taxpayers can go to michigan.gov/mifastfile to learn more about e-filing options. Taxpayers can also file for the first time this year through Michigan Treasury eServices.
   
• Mail a paper return to the right address. To avoid processing delays, paper filers should carefully follow tax form instructions when sending a paper return to a specific address.

• Fill in all requested information. When completing your tax return, take the time to ensure the information is accurate. Paper returns should be legible and easy to read..
   
• Review all numbers. While software catches and prevents many errors on e-filed returns, math errors remain common on paper returns.
   
• Provide the right routing and account numbers. Requesting direct deposit of a state tax refund is convenient, enhances security and enables the taxpayer to access their money faster compared to a mailed paper check. Make sure your financial institution's routing and account numbers are entered on the return accurately.

• Sign and date the return. If joint filing a paper return, both spouses must sign and date the return. Most e-file software platforms allow electronic signatures.
  
  
• Submit all the required forms. Taxpayers who file a paper tax return should carefully follow the instructions and attach all forms as indicated. If possible, use a paperclip, binder clip or rubber band to hold all documents together.
  
  
• Owe tax? Taxpayers can pay their outstanding tax balance by check, money order, eCheck, debit or credit card.

To date, more than 4.25 million returns have been processed, and $2.5 billion in refunds have been distributed for this 2026 filing season.

Need an extension?

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the April 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2026. Request additional time with MI Form 4, Instructions for Application for Extension of Time to File Michigan Tax Returns.

If requesting for an extension, taxpayers should also estimate their tax liability and pay any amount owed by April 15, 2026, to avoid interest and penalties. An extension to file is not an extension to pay.

Taxpayers in emergency areas can have additional time to file and pay state taxes, with penalties and interest waived for those who qualify. Relief must be requested directly from Treasury.

Have questions?

Michigan taxpayers who have questions about or need help with their individual income tax returns or refunds can digitally connect with the Treasury through the Michigan Treasury eService platform.

Allow 4–6 weeks from the date you receive your e-filed state tax return confirmation or 6–8 weeks from the postmark date on your mailed state tax return to receive your refund. After that timeframe, you can check the status at michigan.gov/wheresmyrefund.