2026 Tax Tips: Keep More of Your Tax Return

Mar 19, 2026 | Newsletter

2026 Tax Tips: Keep more of your tax return

From the Desk of Senator Erika Geiss

It continues to be an honor serving our community in the state Senate, where my colleagues and I have prioritized policies that support working 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 pockets, as well as share some tips on how you can maximize your return ahead of the filing deadline, April 15, 2026.

As always, 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.

Sincerely,

Senator Geiss Signature

Erika Geiss
State Senator, District 1
(517) 373-7800
SenatorGeiss.com
SenEGeiss@senate.michigan.gov

Senate Democrats Secure $1 Billion+ in Tax Relief

Between groceries and gas, child care and doctors’ visits, the cost of living adds up really quick. As folks face these high costs and economic uncertainty, Michiganders need real, immediate relief. That’s why I’ve been laser-focused on giving families a little extra breathing room in their budgets.

One of the first actions I took in our Senate Majority was to pass the biggest tax relief initiative Michigan has seen in decades, which cut taxes by $1 billion by repealing the retirement tax and expanding tax credits for working families. But we didn’t stop there! See how this work and more translates into dollars saved on your taxes this year.

Qintupled the Earned Income Tax Credit to help over 665,000 working families save an average of $3,800. Repealed the Retirement Tax to help nearly 500,000 seniors save $1,000 a year. No Tax on Tips to help 300,000 Michiganders save an average of $400 a year. No Taxes on Social Security to help 40,000 eligible seniors save $500 a year. No Taxes on Overtime to help save 500,000 workers an average of $500 a year

Tax season is here! Your taxes are due before April 15, 2026.

Here are a few quick tips to help you maximize your return this year:

Avoid scams: For federal returns, the IRS will only initiate contact with you through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Do not share your personal tax information via phone, email, or social media.

Utilize free resources: Michigan Free Tax Help connects you with free, high-quality income tax preparation assistance. Visit MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org to find local help.

Take advantage of available deductions: You can deduct charitable contributions, property taxes, medical expenses, and more from your federal 2025 taxes. Visit IRS.gov/credits-deductions for a full list.

If you use a paid tax preparer, per state law, all paid tax preparers must include their tax preparer ID on the filing.

Learn more about how you can take advantage of these policies to save at SenateDems.com/tax-tips.

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