News & Events Digest: January 2026

Michigan’s Individual Income Tax Filing Season Begins

The Michigan Department of Treasury announced on Jan. 26 that the official 2026 filing season has begun and is processing individual income tax returns.

Individuals can file their state income tax return online for free, e-file with tax preparation software, or mail a paper form with documentation. All state of Michigan individual income tax returns and payment of any taxes owed must be received by April 15, 2026.

For the convenience of taxpayers, the start of the state's individual income tax filing season is the same date set by the Internal Revenue Service.

“Michigan Treasury is prepared to process returns and issue refunds promptly,” said Deputy State Treasurer Kavita Kale, who oversees the department’s Revenue Services programs. “Our priority is accuracy and efficiency. Filing electronically is the fastest and most reliable way to ensure your return is processed correctly and your refund is delivered quickly.”

Issuers must mail most W-2 and 1099 forms to recipients by Jan. 31. End-of-year pay stubs should not be used when filing because they may not accurately reflect total income.

Taxpayers who file without all required documents--such as W-2 or 1099 forms--may need to submit an amended return later. Missing paperwork can delay processing and push back refunds.

New in 2026: Michigan Treasury eServices

Treasury has transitioned Michigan’s individual income tax platform from a legacy system to a modernized, secure platform. With this change, Michigan Treasury eServices now replaces the previous web services that were available in separate systems.

Taxpayers can check the status of their individual income tax returns and refunds in the new Michigan Treasury eServices.

Taxpayers will notice a new browsing experience that may feel different at first. The updated platform meets State of Michigan security standards and provides a safe environment where taxpayers and tax professionals can check refund status, file tax forms, make payments, access tax information, communicate with Treasury, and manage tax responsibilities.

To take advantage of the full features of Michigan Treasury eServices, taxpayers and tax professionals will need to create a MiLogin profile and connect to tax accounts. This process ensures taxpayer data remains secure and only authorized individuals can access sensitive information.

How to File

Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is convenient, safe and secure. Last year, more than 5 million returns were received by Treasury, and Michigan taxpayers e-filed more than 92% of those returns.

For more information about e-filing, go to www.mifastfile.org.

Individuals with low to moderate income, disabilities or who are 60 years of age or older may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-certified volunteers. For information about free tax help, go to irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or dial 2-1-1.

Additional free tax help can be found at www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org.

To learn more about Michigan's individual income tax, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax or follow Treasury on X, formerly Twitter, or on LinkedIn.

Check for Unclaimed Property or Assets on Sunday

Michiganders are encouraged to conduct a simple search online to see if they have any lost or abandoned property as a part of National Unclaimed Property Day on Sunday, Feb. 1.

“I encourage Michiganders to take a moment to see if they have lost or unclaimed property,” said Terry Stanton, who oversees Michigan’s Unclaimed Property Program. “Even if you’ve checked recently, visit our website again—our database is updated multiple times throughout the year. You might discover money or assets waiting for you, and my team is ready to help you claim what’s yours.”

To find out if you have cash or property, go directly to Michigan's Unclaimed Property website, which provides enhanced search options and the ability to upload verifying documentation easily and securely. Individuals who live—or have lived—outside of the state of Michigan can check multiple states’ unclaimed property listings at www.UCPday.com.

Treasury has millions of dollars in lost or forgotten assets that include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, valuables left in safe deposit boxes and stock certificates. These properties were all turned over to the state once they were determined to be abandoned as required by law.

Treasury is the custodian of these assets and reunites them with their owners—or the owners' heirs—when they are rightfully claimed.

Individuals are encouraged to search their name, a maiden name, or the name of a business or nonprofit. There is never a charge to search for and claim property.

Claimants may also call 517-636-5320 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For businesses, corporations, nonprofits, public entities and other organizations holding unclaimed or abandoned property, instructions on how to prepare and easily submit your report and remittance online can be found on Michigan's Unclaimed Property website as well.

According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), more than $4 billion dollars in unclaimed property is returned to rightful owners by states annually. Nearly 33 million people in the United States – 1 in every 7 – has unclaimed property: financial accounts or items of value in which the owner has not initiated any activity for a number of years.

In Michigan, $164 million was returned to rightful owners and heirs last year and more than $675 million over the last five years.

In 2021, to increase awareness of unclaimed property, NAUPA launched the first National Unclaimed Property Day on Feb. 1. Then and now, unclaimed property administrators encourage everyone to search for unclaimed property. To learn more about National Unclaimed Property Day, go to www.UCPday.com.

Additional details about Michigan’s Unclaimed Property Program can be found at www.michigan.gov/unclaimedproperty.

In support of National Unclaimed Property Day, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed Sunday, Feb. 1, as Michigan’s Unclaimed Property Day.

Filing Made Simple: Navigating Michigan’s 2026 Individual Income Tax Season

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Michigan Treasury Announces Penalty and Interest Relief for 2025 Corporate Income Tax Estimated Payments

The Michigan Department of Treasury on Jan. 28 announced limited penalty and interest relief for Corporate Income Tax (CIT) taxpayers who underpaid estimated tax payments in 2025 due to significant changes in federal and state tax laws.

On July 4, 2025, the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) reinstated and expanded several business deductions, reducing federal income tax for many companies that pay CIT in Michigan. Later, on Oct. 7, 2025, Michigan enacted Public Act 24 of 2025, which decoupled from certain OB3 provisions and created additional complexity for businesses calculating their state tax obligations.

“Our priority is to provide certainty and fairness for Michigan businesses during this period of significant federal and state tax changes,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “This relief reflects our commitment to helping companies as they work through what these changes mean for their state taxes. Do not hesitate to seek penalty and interest relief to help you and your business.”

Tax Payment Relief Details

Penalty and interest relief applies to underpaid estimated payments for:

Calendar-year taxpayers: Second-, third- and fourth-quarter payments due July 15, 2025, Oct. 15, 2025, and Jan. 15, 2026.
Fiscal-year taxpayers: Any quarterly payment due between July 2025 and January 2026 that is applicable to the 2025 annual return.

To qualify for this relief, taxpayers must pay their full annual tax liability by the due date of the annual return, which is April 30, 2026, for calendar-year filers. Those requesting penalty and interest relief must ensure their annual liability is submitted timely to take advantage of the relief.

To receive penalty relief, taxpayers must make a request in writing by mail or through the Business Tax eService after receiving a “Notice of Additional Tax Due” or “Notice of Refund Adjustment” from Treasury. Requests should reference “Michigan Public Act 24 of 2025,” and the tax base adjustment reported on Form 4891, line 13 (Miscellaneous).

Taxpayers are asked to follow the directions in the notice letter to ensure that relief is provided.

Annual CIT returns are still due April 30, 2026, for calendar-year filers.

The relief does not apply to other taxes — such as premiums or franchise taxes — and is not automatic for individuals or flow-through entities, though they may request penalty waivers for reasonable cause.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Treasury or consult Revenue Administrative Bulletin 2025-15. Additional details are available in "Relief for 2025 Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Estimated Payments in Light of Public Law 119-21 and Decoupling Under Michigan PA 24."

Administration, Fiscal Agencies Reach Consensus on Revenue Estimates

State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, Senate Fiscal Agency Director Kathryn Summers and House Fiscal Agency Director Mary Ann Cleary today reached consensus on revised economic and revenue figures for the remainder of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the 2027 fiscal year and the initial forecast for the 2028 fiscal year.

“Michigan’s economy continues to demonstrate resiliency and stability despite federal uncertainty,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “Revenue collections are meeting expectations, and our long-term economic outlook remains positive with steady unemployment and job growth. Michigan’s foundation is strong, and we remain cautiously optimistic as we look ahead to the coming years.”

Specific General Fund and School Aid Fund figures can be found online.

These revenue estimates are based on the most recent economic projections and forecasting models. As with any economic and revenue forecast, there are potential risks to the estimates agreed to today, including unexpected changes in the national economy and international economic issues.

“With federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, rising health care costs, and constantly changing national policy, we’re facing a unique set of challenges that directly affect our bottom line,” said State Budget Director Jen Flood. “Now our work begins to finalize Governor Whitmer’s budget recommendation with a focus on improving student literacy, lowering costs, and protecting access to health care.”

FY 2026 spans from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026, while FY 2027 spans from Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027. FY 2028 begins on Oct. 1, 2027.

The January Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference’s detailed forecast – as well as presentations from today’s session – can be found at www.michigan.gov/crec.

Webinar to Help Local Officials Budget for Fiscal Sustainability Set for Feb. 9

Local government officials can learn best practices for budgeting and long-term financial planning during a free Fiscally Ready Communities webinar on Monday, Feb. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. ET.

The Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan State University Extension are hosting the two-hour online training, which is designed for appointed and elected officials with entry- to intermediate-level budgeting experience.

Registration is open now and can be done online.

The session, titled “Budgeting for Fiscal Sustainability,” will cover strategies to strengthen fiscal health, including managing fund balances, understanding tax base revenue, forecasting revenue and expenditures, and tracking budget performance. Participants will also learn how current spending decisions affect future stability.

The webinar is intended for clerks, treasurers, finance directors, auditors, accounting staff, and city, township, or village managers, among others.

For more information and to register, visit Treasury’s Fiscally Ready Communities webpage. The site also offers a 32-page best practices guide on financial management policies, including cash controls, capital improvement planning, ethics, and internal controls.

Questions can be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line “Fiscally Ready.

Missy Snyder selected as State Division Administrator of Individual Income Tax

Tax Administration Services Bureau Director Katina Litterini recently announced the selection of Missy Snyder as the State Division Administrator 17 of the Individual Income Tax (IIT) Division within the Tax Administration Services Bureau, effective Jan.19.

In this role, Missy will set Division priorities and new approaches to tax administration services. In addition, Missy will oversee the Individual Income Tax contact center and monitor performance reporting to maximize effectiveness and efficiency.

“I’m eager to help shape the future of Revenue Services by fostering growth and innovation,” Missy shared. “I’m looking forward to building on the already strong foundations, and now we have an opportunity to connect those strengths into seamless, end-to-end processes.”

Missy recently served as the State Division Administrator of the Information Processing Division in the Collection Services Bureau, where she provided long-term strategic planning and led continuous improvement efforts.

Between her experience as a contractor and State of Michigan employee, she brings over 24 years of experience working with Treasury to the position, much of that coming from progressive roles within GC Services.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible people both in the private sector and here at Treasury,” Missy said. “This new role gives me the chance to continue building on that success and expand that list with more outstanding individuals who share the commitment to excellence.”

Her breadth of experience will be a tremendous asset as State Division Administrator for IIT, as will the strong work ethic, collaborative partnerships, and commitment to continuous improvement she brings to the role.

“Missy’s 24 years at Treasury show dedication and progressive achievement through hard work, collaborative problem-solving, and continuous improvement,” Katina said. “We’re excited for the next chapter for her and the Individual Income Tax Division under her leadership.”

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