Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week

Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer: Working Families Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed This Week

An average $550 will be mailed to 700,000 Michigan households, with these larger refunds continuing in the years ahead

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that eligible Michigan families will begin receiving Working Families Tax Credit supplemental checks this week as a part of $1 billion in tax cuts. The checks will put an average of $550 into Michiganders’ pockets in more than 700,000 Michigan households.

 

“Last year, the majority in the Michigan Legislature and I quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, which will put hundreds more dollars back in the pockets of 700,000 working families,” said Governor Whitmer. “These checks that are starting to be mailed out this week will lift tens of thousands of people out of working poverty and directly benefit half the children in Michigan by helping their moms and dads pay the bills, put food on the table, and buy school supplies. We got your back in Michigan as you work hard and support your family. Together, let’s build a brighter future and a stronger economy.”

 

Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit is based on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

 

To qualify, individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. If a federal credit is granted, the state of Michigan will provide an additional 30% credit when the taxpayer files their state income tax return.

 

For the 2022 tax year, eligible taxpayers were provided a 6% Michigan Working Families Tax Credit when they filed their state individual income tax returns. A state law that becomes effective February 13 means those taxpayers will receive a supplemental check for the remaining 24% portion of their 2022 tax year Working Families Tax Credit.

 

On Tuesday, February 13, the Michigan Department of Treasury will begin issuing these checks to eligible taxpayers through the U.S. Postal Service. The checks will be sent over a 5-to-6-week period.

 

The supplemental checks will be issued to the most recent address on file with Treasury. Treasury routinely updates taxpayer address records based on current tax filings.

 

The Michigan Working Families Tax Credit for the 2023 tax year will be applied at the full 30% rate when taxpayers file their state tax returns this tax season.

 

“Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit at the 30% rate applies to the 2022 tax year and beyond,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “I encourage those who are eligible for this tax credit to explore filing electronically or connecting with a reputable tax preparer when filing a return this year. Thousands of dollars could be left on the table if these credits are not claimed.”

 

Free Tax Help

 

Individuals with low 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.

Flags Lowered to Honor Students of MSU Shooting 

Flags Lowered to Honor Students of MSU Shooting 

Office of the Governor header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 12, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags to Honor Students on One-Year Anniversary of MSU Shooting

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 to honor and remember the students who lost their lives in the shooting at Michigan State University in East Lansing that took place on February 13, 2023.

 

“A year ago today, every Spartan’s heart stood still as our community was shattered by a devastating act of gun violence,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today we honor the memories of those we lost and hold each other close as we continue to grieve and process. We are—and always will be—Spartan Strong, but days like today are hard for everyone. I encourage us all to give each other some grace and be there for one another. We will get through this together.”

 

The State of Michigan remembers the students who lost their lives and stands in solidarity with the Spartan community by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

 

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.

 

Flags should be returned to full staff on Wednesday, February 14, 2024

 

1.3 million Michigan voters applied for absentee ballots

1.3 million Michigan voters applied for absentee ballots

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 6, 2024Contact: Cheri Hardmon

(517) 643-7236

 

Nearly 1.3 million Michigan voters have applied for absentee ballots three weeks before Election Day

Michigan voters have several options to participate in Presidential Primary this month

LANSING, Mich. – There are three weeks left until Election Day in Michigan’s Presidential Primary and nearly 1.3 million voters have requested absentee ballots for the primary – an 80% increase over the same point before the 2020 Presidential Primary. Starting this year, voters have new options for casting their ballot safely and securely – absentee voting is underway; in-person early voting begins statewide on Saturday, Feb. 17; and Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 27.

 

”I’m thrilled to see so many Michiganders engaged and energized about this month’s presidential primary,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Whether you choose to vote early – from home or at an early voting location – or in person on Election Day, clerks across the state are ready to ensure you are able to cast your ballot safely and securely.”

 

Absent voter ballot request data shows that 1,287,265 Michiganders have requested an absentee ballot as of Feb. 6. As a comparison, 713,465 Michiganders had requested absentee ballots three weeks before the 2020 presidential primary. 1,083,863 ballots have been sent to voters by clerks so far this year and 391,404 voters have completed their ballots and returned them to be counted. A breakdown by jurisdiction is available online.

 

21 Days Before Election Day

 (Feb. 6, 2024)

21 Days Before Election Day

(Feb. 18, 2020)

 

Number of applications received

 

1,287,265

 

713,465

 

Number of ballots issued

 

1,083,863

 

707,361

 

Number of completed ballots returned 

 

 

391,404

 

 

230,565

In 2022, Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, which created a permanent mail ballot list. Voters can choose to automatically receive an absentee ballot and vote from home for every election.

 

Eligible Michigan residents can register by mail or online to vote through Feb. 12 or at their local clerk’s office through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Under Michigan law, voters can cast a ballot for only one party’s candidates during the Presidential Primary and must select either a Democratic or Republican ballot before casting their vote. However, if the voter does not wish to participate in the presidential selection, and their jurisdiction has local contests to be decided, they can request a local-only ballot instead.

 

Michigan does not register voters by party – every voter is free to select a ballot from one of the two parties. Third-party or minor party presidential candidates are selected by a different process under Michigan law.

 

Voters can track their absentee application or ballot online at Michigan.gov/Vote or by contacting their local election clerk. Absentee ballots have prepaid postage and can be returned by U.S. mail. Voters who still need to return their completed ballot can drop it off at their clerk’s office or designated secure ballot drop box to avoid postal delays.

 

Michigan.gov/Vote provides important election information, including a sample ballot and how to contact your local clerk.

 

To find an early voting site near you, visit Michigan.gov/EarlyVoting.

Volunteer Tax Preparers Can Connect Taxpayers with Tax Credits

Volunteer Tax Preparers Can Connect Taxpayers with Tax Credits

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2024

Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167

Treasury: Volunteer Tax Preparers Can Connect Taxpayers with Tax Credits, Other Benefits

Low-to-Moderate Income, Older Taxpayers
Encouraged to Seek Assistance

LANSING, Mich. – With the quintupling of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families from 6% to 30% and other tax benefits on the table this year, the Michigan Department of Treasury is encouraging low-to-moderate income taxpayers to find qualified professional or volunteer tax preparers to ensure no benefits are left behind.

“Eligible taxpayers could miss out on valuable tax benefits if they don’t file a tax return or incorrectly file a tax return,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Volunteer preparers can help taxpayers receive the most deductions and credits possible. These benefits can reduce the amount of tax owed or even create a refund. Please connect with the tax preparation assistance that fits your situation.”

The Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic return preparation to qualified individuals. Generally, assistance from VITA or TCE is available to taxpayers who meet one of the following conditions:

  • Your income is $60,000 or less.
  • You are a person with a disability.
  • You speak limited or no English.
  • You are age 60 or older.

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.

The Michigan Department of Treasury provides guidance online about finding a qualified, paid tax preparer.

Under state law, taxpayers are responsible for the content within their tax returns and for any additional payments, penalty and interest that may result from a tax preparer’s error. While the state of Michigan does not require tax preparers to be licensed, many are licensed, certified and belong to professional organizations that require a minimum level of education and provide ongoing training.

To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax and choosing a tax preparer, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax.

Mackinac Bridge is currently closed due to falling ice

Mackinac Bridge is currently closed due to falling ice

Mackinac Bridge Banner - June 2023


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2024

 

MEDIA CONTACT
James Lake
906-250-0993
[email protected]

The Mackinac Bridge is currently closed to traffic due to falling ice, which has formed from recent fog freezing to the bridge’s towers and cables. There is no ETA for reopening the bridge, as ice continues to fall.

Updates will be posted to the Mackinac Bridge Twitter/X page @MackinacBridge and on the website at www.MackinacBridge.org.

See the Mackinac Bridge Authority’s FAQs on falling ice for more information: https://www.mackinacbridge.org/about-the-bridge/frequently-asked-questions/

Some photos and videos have been included in a video about the dangers of falling ice on the Mackinac Bridge.

Tips on Recovering from Identity Theft

Tips on Recovering from Identity Theft

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 2, 2024

 

AG Nessel Wraps Identity Theft Awareness Week with Tips on Recovering from Identity Theft

LANSING – To conclude Identity Theft Awareness Week (January 28-February 3) and to provide consumers with the knowledge to recognize and respond to identity theft crises, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has re-issued her Identity Theft Recovery alert.

The alert lists steps that victims can take to quickly respond to the crime of identity theft. This crime occurs when an imposter uses key pieces of another’s personally identifying information (usually stolen) to commit fraud and other crimes.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2022, it received more than 1.1 million reports of identity theft through its website. AG Nessel would like Michigan residents to not only know the signs that their personal information is being used by imposters, but also know the process for recovering their identity and securing their accounts.

“Having your identity stolen is traumatic and unsettling and can be devastating for your financial well-being,” Nessel said. “However, I want consumers to know that there is a path to recovery. My Michigan Identity Theft Support unit provides guidance on what to do as soon as fraud is detected, and my office stands ready to offer support to Michigan residents in those efforts.”

The Attorney General’s alert recommends taking the following steps as soon as identity theft is confirmed:

  • Call the companies where you know the fraud occurred and ask them to close or freeze your accounts.
  • Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports. These alerts last for one year and require you to be alerted whenever you or someone else attempts to open a credit account in your name, increase the credit limit on an existing account, or get a new card on an existing account.
  • Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission — the federal government’s one-stop resource where they can report it and develop a recovery plan – or call the FTC’s ID Theft Hotline at 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338); TTY: 866-653-4261; and report the theft to your local police.

The alert also contains helpful information for reporting stolen mail, ordering credit reports, and contacting the 3 major credit bureaus.

The Michigan Identity Theft Support unit can provide identity theft victims with resources and guidance to help minimize damage caused by this disruptive crime. The Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book contains information the FTC has collected throughout the year on fraud, identity theft, and other consumer protection topics.

Additional information on identity theft prevention for Michigan consumers is available on the Attorney General’s website.

Consumers may also contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form