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Michigan residents can apply for the Michigan Home Heating Tax Credit until Sept. 30

Tax credits are not just for tax season. The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) is encouraging low- to moderate-income residents across the state to apply for the Home Heating Credit before the deadline of Sept. 30.

Each year, the Home Heating Credit is available to Michigan residents. This year there is $120 million allocated to provide qualified homeowners and renters in Michigan with heating assistance through the Home Heating Credit. This amount is significantly higher than previous years due to an additional $70 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

“The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) wants to increase access to and usage of the Home Heating Credit program,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “We are working with CEDAM to help get the word out to residents who need help keeping their heat turned on ahead of the fall and winter months.”

CEDAM was awarded a $1 million grant earlier this year to increase access to the Home Heating Credit benefit and free tax preparation services, and, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, they are encouraging Michigan homeowners and renters to apply.

“Every family should be able to keep the heat on and stay warm and safe through our Michigan winters,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I am proud of the work we have done to fund and expand the Home Heating Tax Credit, and I urge families to apply by September 30 so they can be ready for the fall and winter. This credit goes directly to qualified homeowners and renters in Michigan, lowering their costs and saving them money to pay other bills and put food on the table. I will work with anyone to offer families real relief, and I am grateful to the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan for their work in getting this done.”

Last year, the average household received $216 from the Home Heating Credit benefit to reduce their residential heating costs. Additionally, recipients of food assistance benefits that have received a Home Heating Credit of greater than $20, may be eligible for an increase in their benefits.

“Eligible individuals should not wait to apply for the Home Heating Credit with the September 30 deadline approaching,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “This important tax credit can provide some relief as we enter into the fall heating season, leaving more money available for other critical needs.”

In order to qualify, residents must be a homeowner, or a renter with a contracted lease and meet income requirements. The best way to apply for the Home Heating Credit, and a number of other tax credits available to Michigan residents, is to book an appointment at a local free tax preparation site.

“There are over 70 locations across Michigan where residents can go to meet with trained, expert tax professionals at no cost,” said Matt Hetherwick, director of individual tax programs at Accounting Aid Society. “Everyone should file a tax return, even if they are not required to, because tax credits and benefits are waiting to be claimed.”

Free tax preparation is a community service designed to help Michigan residents improve their financial wellbeing. Residents who qualify for free tax preparation include those with disabilities, those with limited English-speaking ability and those who earn less than $58,000 per year. Tax preparation providers are trained volunteers who are experts in taxes and have an accuracy rate, on average, higher than their for-profit colleagues.

If you are looking to talk with an experienced CPA about this credit, reach out to us today at: ATS ADVISORS

MICHIGAN NEWS / Aug.24.2022 / MLive

A student debt plan announced by President Joe Biden Wednesday will bring Michigan Student Loan Forgiveness for many Michigan borrowers. The Biden administration plans to forgive $10,000 per borrower and $20,000 per Pell Grant recipient who are making less than $125,000 individually or $250,000 for households. A pause on student loan repayments will also be extended “one final time” through Dec. 31. And the income-driven repayment plan is being overhauled to reduce costs for borrowers.

“Here’s what my administration is going to do to provide more breathing room for people, so they are less burdened by student debt,” Biden said during an Aug. 24 press briefing.

White House officials say 43 million Americans will be impacted with about 20 million seeing their debt erased. In Michigan, there are 1.4 million student loan borrowers holding $51.3 billion in debt, federal data shows. About 700,000 of those with federal student loans will see their debt cut in half or erased completely, according to the governor’s office. “People can use these savings to buy a home, start a business, get married, or start a family. I will work with anyone to keep lowering the cost of higher education and offering more paths for Michiganders to earn a higher education tuition-free, without going into debt in the first place,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a statement.

A two-year pause on federal student loan payments has now been extended eight times throughout the pandemic. With each deadline, Biden faced increasing pressure to take broader action to address the $1.7 trillion student debt crisis. The current payment pause was set to expire on Aug. 31. “It undoubtedly will help Michiganders who have student debt. Not only the $10,000 reduction in debt but also the deferment of payments until the end of the year,” said William Elliott, a University of Michigan professor of social work who researches college savings accounts, college debt and wealth inequality. Nearly 425,000 Michigan borrowers have less than $10,000 in debt and another 283,000 have less than $20,000, federal data shows. Cumulatively they account for half the state’s student borrowers and hold about 12% of the debt. The bulk of the debt in Michigan, about $45 billion, is carried by 50% of student borrowers. Elliott says removing the “albatross of student debt” will change how Michigan borrowers view their futures, ability to save, employment prospects and the economy. “It’s not enough for some, but it’s going to be a whole lot for others. And it will help all,” he said. “Sometimes in policy, that’s the best thing you can do in the moment.”

Nearly 8 million Americans will get automatic student debt relief, according to the White House. The U.S. Department of Education expects to launch an application in coming weeks for the remaining borrowers. Only loans taken out before June 30, 2022 are eligible for forgiveness. The announced changes to income-driven repayment plans will reduce costs for low- and middle-income borrowers. Income limits will be raised, and borrowers will be required to spend only 5% of their income on loans, down from 10%. Additionally, loan balances for those with $12,000 or less will be forgiven after 10 years instead of 20 years. And unpaid monthly interest won’t accumulate for those on an IDR plan even with a $0 payment. “I believe my plan is responsible and fair. It focuses the benefit on middle class and working families. It helps both current and future borrowers and will fix a badly broken system,” Biden said.

The plan, setting a precedent for student debt forgiveness, will likely be challenged in court. About 59% of Americans are worried student loan forgiveness will worsen inflation, a recent CNBC Momentive Poll found. Deputy director of the National Economic Council Bharat Ramamurti disputed these concerns saying the restart of payments will bring “billions of dollars a month” to the federal government. The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania estimated this week a $10,000 forgiveness plan with a $125,000 income limit will cost the federal government about $300 billion. Elliott believes student loan forgiveness should be the “first step and not the last step” in addressing the high cost of college.“I do think that it needs to be pressed upon (Biden) that this is not the end and there needs to be additional things done to finance education in a more equitable way that are more long-term and impactful,” he said. “We’re addressing the symptom. The symptom is because of a bad way to finance education, people have large amounts of debt.” Elliott says action can be taken by U.S. lawmakers, state governments and local municipalities to lower the cost of college including public service forgiveness programs and children’s saving accounts.

Tax Forms Retention Guide: How long is long enough?

April 15 has come and gone and another year of tax forms and shoeboxes full of receipts is behind us. But what should be done with those documents after your check or refund request is in the mail? How Long Should I Keep My Tax Records Michigan?

Federal law requires you to maintain copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for three years. This is called the “three-year law” and leads many people to believe they’re safe provided they retain their documents for this period of time.

However, if the IRS believes you have significantly underreported your income (by 25 percent or more), it may go back six years in an audit. If there is any indication of fraud, or you do not file a return, no period of limitation exists.To be safe, use the following guidelines.

Business Documents To Keep For One Year

• Correspondence with Customers and Vendors
• Duplicate Deposit Slips
• Purchase Orders (other than Purchasing Department copy)
• Receiving Sheets
• Requisitions
• Stenographer’s Notebooks
• Stockroom Withdrawal Forms

Business Documents To Keep For Three Years

• Employee Personnel Records (after termination)
• Employment Applications
• Expired Insurance Policies
• General Correspondence
• Internal Audit Reports
• Internal Reports
• Petty Cash Vouchers
• Physical Inventory Tags
• Savings Bond Registration Records of Employees
• Time Cards For Hourly Employees

Business Documents To Keep For Six Years

• Accident Reports, Claims
• Accounts Payable Ledgers and Schedules
• Accounts Receivable Ledgers and Schedules
• Bank Statements and Reconciliations
• Cancelled Checks
• Cancelled Stock and Bond Certificates
• Employment Tax Records
• Expense Analysis and Expense Distribution Schedules
• Expired Contracts, Leases
• Expired Option Records
• Inventories of Products, Materials, Supplies
• Invoices to Customers
• Notes Receivable Ledgers, Schedules
• Payroll Records and Summaries, including payment to pensioners
• Plant Cost Ledgers
• Purchasing Department Copies of Purchase Orders
• Records related to net operating losses (NOL’s)
• Sales Records
• Subsidiary Ledgers
• Time Books
• Travel and Entertainment Records
• Vouchers for Payments to Vendors, Employees, etc.
• Voucher Register, Schedules

Business Records To Keep Forever

While federal guidelines do not require you to keep tax records “forever,” in many cases there will be other reasons you’ll want to retain these documents indefinitely.

• Audit Reports from CPAs/Accountants
• Cancelled Checks for Important Payments (especially tax payments)
• Cash Books, Charts of Accounts
• Contracts, Leases Currently in Effect
• Corporate Documents (incorporation, charter, by-laws, etc.)
• Documents substantiating fixed asset additions
• Deeds
• Depreciation Schedules
• Financial Statements (Year End)
• General and Private Ledgers, Year End Trial Balances
• Insurance Records, Current Accident Reports, Claims, Policies
• Investment Trade Confirmations
• IRS Revenue Agent Reports
• Journals
• Legal Records, Correspondence and Other Important Matters
• Minutes Books of Directors and Stockholders
• Mortgages, Bills of Sale
• Property Appraisals by Outside Appraisers
• Property Records
• Retirement and Pension Records
• Tax Returns and Worksheets
• Trademark and Patent Registrations

Personal Documents To Keep For One Year

While it’s important to keep year-end mutual fund and IRA contribution statements forever, you don’t have to save monthly and quarterly statements once the year-end statement has arrived.

Personal Documents To Keep For Three Years

• Credit Card Statements
• Medical Bills (in case of insurance disputes)
• Utility Records
• Expired Insurance Policies

Personal Documents To Keep For Six Years

• Supporting Documents For Tax Returns
• Accident Reports and Claims
• Medical Bills (if tax-related)
• Sales Receipts
• Wage Garnishments
• Other Tax-Related Bills

Personal Records To Keep Forever

• CPA Audit Reports
• Legal Records
• Important Correspondence
• Income Tax Returns
• Income Tax Payment Checks
• Property Records / Improvement Receipts (or six years after property sold)
• Investment Trade Confirmations
• Retirement and Pension Records (Forms 5448, 1099-R and 8606 until all distributions are made from your IRA or other qualified plan)

Special Circumstances

• Car Records (keep until the car is sold)
• Credit Card Receipts (keep until verified on your statement)
• Insurance Policies (keep for the life of the policy)
• Mortgages / Deeds / Leases (keep 6 years beyond the agreement)
• Pay Stubs (keep until reconciled with your W-2)
• Sales Receipts (keep for life of the warranty)
• Stock and Bond Records (keep for 6 years beyond selling)
• Warranties and Instructions (keep for the life of the product)
• Other Bills (keep until payment is verified on the next bill)
• Depreciation Schedules and Other Capital Asset Records (keep for 3 years after the tax life of the asset)

Questions? Contact your trusted Michigan tax pros!

How Long Should I Keep My Tax Records Michigan? – 2022

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What You Need To Know About Michigan State Taxes

The state of Michigan requires you to pay taxes if you’re a resident or nonresident that receives income from a Michigan source. The state income tax rate is 4.25%, and the sales tax rate is 6%.

Michigan Income Tax Brackets and Rates

Michigan has a flat tax rate of 4.25% for 2021, meaning everyone pays the same state income tax regardless of their income.

Located in the State of Michigans 2021 Taxpayer guide is 5 Michigan Tax Exemptions You Didn’t Know About!

Lets begin…

PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION: A principal residence is exempt from taxes levied by a local school district for operating purposes of up to 18 mills. A homeowner’s principal residence is defined as “the one place where an owner of the property has his or her true, fixed, and permanent home to which, whenever absent, he or she intends to return and that shall continue as a principal residence until another principal residence is established.” Property owners may claim only one exemption. A married couple, filing income tax returns jointly, are generally entitled to no more than one principal residence exemption. However, there are exceptions to these rules. The law allows a temporary, additional exemption for up to three years on an unoccupied homestead listed for sale. Homeowners with a principal residence exemption currently residing in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or other location while convalescing and members of the armed services absent on active duty may maintain the exemption so long as they continue to own and maintain the property, they do not establish a new primary residence, and the property is not used for most commercial and business purposes. A homeowner who vacates their home because of damage or destruction may maintain the exemption for up to three years as long as they demonstrate an intent to move back in. To be eligible for the homeowner’s principal residence property exemption, a taxpayer must file an affidavit with the local tax collecting unit on or before June 1 for an exemption from the immediately succeeding summer tax levy and November 1 for an exemption from the immediately succeeding winter tax levy. Once filed, exemptions are valid in future years until rescinded. A denial of this exemption may be appealed to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The appeal must be filed within 35 days from date of notice.

FARMLAND (QUALIFIED AGRICULTURAL) PROPERTY EXEMPTION: Farmland may be exempt from taxes levied by a local school district for operating purposes of up to 18 mills. Farmland must be determined to be qualified agricultural property. The state has defined qualified agricultural property as “unoccupied property and related buildings classified as agricultural, or other unoccupied property and related buildings located on that property devoted primarily to agricultural use.” If a property is classified as agricultural for assessment purposes, a property owner does not need to take any action to receive the exemption, unless requested by the local assessor. Otherwise, a property owner must claim an exemption by filing an affidavit with the local tax collecting unit on or before May 1. In some cases, a partial exemption may be approved if part of the property is used for non-agricultural purposes. An exemption remains in place unless withdrawn or until rescinded. A denial of an exemption may be appealed to the local board of review. A board of review decision may be appealed to the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 35 days from the decision.

POVERTY EXEMPTION: A person may be eligible to request a poverty exemption from property taxes if they, at a minimum, own and occupy the property as their homestead, demonstrate evidence of ownership and identification, and meet poverty income standards. The local board of review makes the determination if the exemption should be granted or denied based on the guidelines for both income and asset levels adopted by the local unit of government. To be eligible for an exemption, a homeowner must apply to the local assessing unit after January 1 but before the day prior to the last day of the board of review. In certain jurisdictions, where permitted by resolution of the local governmental unit, a person who received the exemption in 2019, 2020, or both, or was approved for the first time in 2021, and receives a fixed income from public assistance may receive the exemption for up to 3 additional years without reapplication. March board of review denials may be appealed to the Michigan Tax Tribunal by the end of July. July and December board of review denials must be appealed to the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 35 days of notice.

DISABLED VETERANS EXEMPTION: Property owned and used as a homestead by a disabled and honorably discharged veteran is exempt from Michigan property taxes. To be eligible for this exemption, a disabled veteran must be determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently or totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100% rate, have a certificate from the U.S. Veterans Administration certifying that they are receiving or have received pecuniary assistance due to disability for special adaptive housing, or be rated by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable. This exemption is also available to an unremarried surviving spouse of a disabled veteran. An affidavit to qualify for this exemption must be filed annually with the local tax unit. A claim for the exemption is reviewed by the local board of review. A board of review decision may be appealed to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

FARMLAND DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AGREEMENT OR EASEMENT EXEMPTION: Property owners who own farmland covered by a development rights agreement or easement with the state are exempt from special assessments for sanitary sewers, water, lights, and nonfarm drainage on land covered by the agreement or easement. The exemption does not apply to assessments in place prior to entering into an agreement or easement. In addition, the property owner cannot take advantage of the services financed through the assessment on the exempted land and may be required to pay the assessment if the agreement or easement is ended.

As always, If you have any tax questions, please never hesitate to contact us!

Michigan Tax Exemptions You Didn’t Know About – 2021