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Tax Filing Requirements in Michigan
- You must file a tax return in Michigan if your income is over $4,050.
- The state income tax rate is 4.25% flat.
- The personal exemption is $4,750.
- The special exemption is $2,800.
Important Considerations for Tax Filing
- Risk losing refunds if not filing within 4 years.
- Income under $500 should file to get refunds owed if tax was withheld.
- Married couples should file jointly for lowest tax or refund.
- Miscellaneous income over $600 requires Form 1099-MISC reported even if not required by payer.
Filing Procedures and Guidelines
- The 2020 single filing minimum income is $12,400 if not 65 or older, and $14,050 if 65 or older.
- Unearned income over $1,050 requires filing.
- City residents should file to avoid state inquiries.
- Electronic filing allows amended returns.
- Extensions allowed.
- Required forms: W-2, 1099s.
- File even with no income to avoid correspondence.
- Refunds are lost if filing is 4 years late.
- Federal but not state filing still requires state return.