Dear Neighbor,
The 2024 legislative session opened officially on Jan. 10. After such a productive year in 2023, I’ve been excited to continue working for you on making Michigan an even better place to live. This month, I’d like to share information about this year’s elections, as well as information about the new tax benefits available to Michiganders this tax season.
New Voter Laws Take Effect in 2024
New pre-registration laws allow 16- and 17-year-olds to register in advance of their 18th birthdays. Registered voters younger than 18 will also be able to participate in early in-person voting and absentee voting before an election as long as they will be 18 on Election Day.
Proposal 2 of 2022 established the right of all Michiganders to have nine days of early voting in our state. The first election in which early voting will be constitutionally required will be the 2024 presidential primary election. Prop 2 also created a permanent mail voter list, so you can submit a voter registration application once and receive a ballot for all future elections.
Prop 2 also expanded access to absentee voting by providing for prepaid return postage on absentee ballot applications and ballots. The tracking system for absentee applications and ballots has also been enhanced, which allows people to track and receive electronic notifications about the status of these items. The tracking system will also be used to inform voters of any issues with their ballots or applications. Prop 2 provides for at least one secure ballot drop box in every jurisdiction, and one drop box for every 15,000 people registered in larger jurisdictions. Ballot drop boxes are now required to be available 24/7 for the 40 days prior to Election Day, and up to 8 p.m. on the day of the election.
There are two major tax updates for Michiganders this tax season:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit or the EITC (also commonly called the working families tax credit).
- The Retirement Tax Rollback.
I encourage you to consult with a tax preparer or accountant and to take a moment to learn more about the changes we’ve made that will save you money this tax season. Mark your calendars with these important dates:
- Tax season officially runs from Jan. 23 through April 15 for on-time filing or to file a late filing extension. Oct. 15 is the late filing deadline.
- The changes to the tax structure will go into effect on Feb. 13.
About the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):
The EITC is a tax benefit for working individuals with a tax credit of varying amount. Your eligible credit amount depends on several factors, including your income, filing status, number of “qualifying children” and/or if you are disabled. To help you with your filing, here are some important dates and information regarding the EITC:
- The expanded Michigan EITC is retroactive to the 2022 tax year (last tax season).
- Michigan’s 2023 tax return, forms and instructions (e-file and paper format) reflect the expanded Michigan EITC created in the new law.
- The law takes effect after the 2023 tax season begins.
- Michigan EITC claimants may experience delays in receiving their refunds. Until the law takes effect:
- The Department of Treasury must hold tax returns that claim the Michigan EITC.
- The Treasury will work impacted returns during tax season as they are received and prepare them for release when the law takes effect.
More information about the EITC can be found here.
About the Retirement Tax Rollback:
The Retirement Tax Rollback is part of the Lowering MI Costs plan that was signed into law. It rolled back the three-tier system of limitations and restrictions on the retirement and pension deductions.
The ability to prepare 2023 tax returns right from the start of tax season with the updated retirement and pension subtraction saves taxpayers time and eliminates the need and expense of filing an amended return after the law takes effect.
- The law takes effect after the 2023 tax season begins.
- Retirees may experience delays in receiving their refunds.
- Until the law takes effect:
- The Department of Treasury must hold tax returns that claim a retirement and pension benefits subtraction.
- Treasury will work impacted returns during tax season as they are received and prepare them for release once the law takes effect.
This information is being provided for educational purposes and to update you on changes taking place that may impact your 2023 tax filing next year. You may choose to file without utilizing any of these changes.
More information about the Retirement Tax Rollback can be found here.
Please contact my office if you have any questions about the state tax filing process. As always, consult with your individual tax preparer or accountant to determine the best ways for you to maximize the tax benefits we’ve passed for you.
Sincerely,
State Representative Reggie Miller
Michigan’s 31st District
Office Phone: (517) 373-0159
Email: ReggieMiller@house.mi.gov