Dear Neighbor,
It continues to be an honor serving our community in the State Senate, where my colleagues and I have prioritized policies and budget investments that support Michigan residents, families, seniors, and our local communities. We’ll continue fighting for more relief for those who need it most.
With tax season in full swing, I wanted to reach out and provide an update on how we’re working to keep more money in your pocket, as well as share some tips on how you can maximize your return ahead of the filing deadline, April 15, 2025.
Should you ever need assistance communicating with the Michigan Dept. of Treasury or any other state agency throughout the year, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and my office. You can contact me by sending an email to SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-6960.
In Service,
Sarah Anthony
State Senator
District 21
Securing a Historic Tax Break for Working Families
To make it easier for families to not just get by, but thrive, my colleagues and I quintupled the state’s match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30%. This helps 700,000 Michigan families save an average of $3,150 per year.
Just in the communities I represent, over 20,700 families benefit, boosting incomes of working folks from $145 to over $700 on average. Our small businesses reap the benefits too, with over $15.1 million now being returned to our local economy.
To qualify for the Michigan EITC, you must already qualify for the federal credit. Your eligibility is automatically determined when you file your taxes — no special action is necessary! The Michigan Department of Treasury encourages residents to stay up to date and verify their eligibility at Michigan.gov/taxes.
Repealing the Retirement Tax
Michigan’s “Retirement Tax,” established in 2011 by Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-controlled legislature, robbed seniors of their promised retirement benefits for more than a decade, making it harder for them to retire in dignity. That’s why I proudly supported the repeal of this unfair tax in 2023, which will help nearly 500,000 seniors save $1,000 annually — enabling them to enjoy a safe, secure, and happy retirement.
To ensure you can deduct the maximum amount of retirement benefits, you may wish to consult a qualified tax preparer. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/taxes.
For those who file electronically, the IRS is very efficient in turning around returns and payments within 21 days. If you mail in a paper return, the IRS warns that it can take as long as six months or longer to process. However you file, you can check the status of your refund through the “Where’s My Refund?” page on the IRS website.
Charitable Contributions
In most cases, you can claim the full amount you give to an IRS-qualified organization as an itemized deduction on your federal taxes. Since 2012, however, credits for certain donations are no longer available on your Michigan tax return. Be sure to check with IRS.gov or your tax preparer, if applicable.
Home Ownership
Expenses such as property taxes, points paid for a lower home loan interest rate, and interest on home equity loans are deductible. Your deduction is generally limited if all mortgages used to buy, construct, or improve your first home (and second home, if applicable) total $750,000. Mortgages that existed before Dec. 14, 2017, will continue to receive the same tax treatment as under the old rules.
Medical Expenses and Other Deductions
Medical costs that exceed 7.5% of your federal adjusted gross income may be claimed on your taxes. Be sure to include them as itemized deductions. You may also qualify for deductions from student loan interest, child and dependent care, and more. To learn more details, click here.
Small Business Expenses
Generally, most types of business insurance, utility expenses, rent payments, costs related to the purchase and upkeep of company-owned vehicles, office supplies, and furniture are all tax deductible. Click here for more details.
Tax Credits for Working Families
To make it easier for families to not just get by, but thrive, my colleagues and I quintupled the state’s match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from 6% to 30%. This helps 700,000 Michiganders who have the hardest time affording the basics save an average of $3,150 per year. To qualify for the Michigan EITC, you must already qualify for the federal credit. You can verify your eligibility here.
Veterans and Their Families
In 2023, we made a change here in Michigan to ensure surviving spouses of disabled veterans can keep their property tax exemptions after their spouse passes away. Learn more here.
Federal Assistance with Tax Preparation
The IRS has a Free File Program that allows qualified taxpayers to prepare and file federal income tax returns online. It’s safe, easy, and no cost to you. The program provides two ways to prepare and file your federal income tax online for free:
Guided Tax Preparation
The guided option provides free online tax preparation and filing at an IRS partner site. Their partners deliver this service at no cost to qualifying taxpayers. Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $84,000 or less qualify for a free federal tax return. Click here to learn more.
Free File Fillable Forms
Anyone can take advantage of Free File Fillable Forms — electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. You can learn how to prepare your own tax return using form instructions and IRS publications, if needed. Click here to start your free fillable form now.
Local Assistance with Tax Preparation
With MI Free Tax Help, eligible Michigan residents across the state can connect with a free tax preparation expert who can help you claim all the tax credits available, at no cost to you, ever. Simply call 2-1-1 on any phone or visit MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org.
My team toured the Vita Mobile Unit, United Way of South Central Michigan’s newest resource, earlier this year. This is a fantastic way to connect residents with essential resources and meet them where they are. For more information about the services offered, click here.
Free Credit Report
Residents can access free weekly credit reports from each of the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The free weekly credit report can be accessed from AnnualCreditReport.com, the only official site for free credit reports authorized by federal law.
MiABLE Savings Account
The MiABLE Disability Savings Program was created to allow Michiganders with disabilities and their families to save money for Qualified Disability Expenses that support health, independence, and quality of life without jeopardizing eligibility for necessary federal benefits.
An individual is eligible if they became disabled or blind before the age of 26, and either is currently entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income or gets a disability certification under rules from the U.S. Treasury.
For more information or to set up your account, visit miable.org.