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 working 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.
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. You can contact me by sending an email to sensmccann@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-5100.
Sincerely,
Sean McCann
State Senator
District 19
$1 Billion in Tax Relief for Michigan Residents
To help support Michigan families working to make ends meet, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I passed the “Lowering MI Costs Plan” in 2023 — the biggest tax relief initiative Michigan has seen in decades. This plan overhauled the unfair, unpopular retirement tax and expanded the Working Families Tax Credit, keeping more money in the pockets of seniors and families.
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.
To qualify for the Michigan EITC, you must already qualify for the federal credit. 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.
Tax Benefits for Veterans and Their Families
Our veterans put their life on the line — sacrificing their comfort and safety — to defend our liberties and democracy. After their service to our state and nation, it’s our duty to ensure they have the benefits they deserve. In 2023, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills into law that ensure surviving spouses of disabled veterans can keep their property tax exemptions after their spouse passes away.
Tax season is here, so it’s time to get out your tax documents and file before the national deadline on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Here are tips on how to take advantage of some of the most common tax deductions while staying clear of common scams that target people as they’re preparing their taxes.
For federal returns, the IRS’s official website is IRS.gov, and they will only reach out to you through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. The Michigan Dept. of Treasury’s official website is Michigan.gov/treasury, but they also have a dedicated tax page at Michigan.gov/taxes.
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. Visit this link for more details.
Understand Refund Timing
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. Visit IRS.gov/refunds for more details.
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 (AGI) is $73,000 or less qualify for a free federal tax return.
Free File Fillable Forms
Those whose gross income is greater than $73,000 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.
Local Assistance with Tax Preparation
There are free tax services available for people whose household income is less than $68,000. You can make an appointment with this free service online or by phone at MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org and 2-1-1.
I hope you find this information helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns: sensmccann@senate.michigan.gov or calling 517-373-5100.
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