LANSING (WWJ) - Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that Michigan families will receive Working Families Tax Credit checks ahead of schedule, beginning February 13, 2024. More than 700,000 Michigan households will receive an average check of $550.
The new checks are part of $1 billion in tax cuts that the governor signed into law earlier this year.
“By quintupling the Working Families Tax Credit, we’re putting an average of $550 back in the pockets of 700,000 Michigan families ahead of schedule," Gov. Whitmer said.
“This directly benefits half the children in Michigan, and moms and dads can use this extra money at tax time to pay the bills, put food on the table, and buy school supplies. Across the United States, inflation is decreasing and take-home pay is increasing, proving that our work in Michigan and President Biden’s efforts in Washington are moving us in the right direction. We still have more work to do, and today’s announcement will help get you some relief sooner than expected. Let’s keep rolling up our sleeves, lowering costs, and growing our economy."
So, you may be wondering...
What is the Working Families Tax Credit?
Beginning February 13, the Whitmer Administration will mail checks to families who qualified for the Working Families Tax Credit as part of their 2022 tax return. The checks will be the difference between the 6% tax credit Michiganders received on their tax return and the 30% that is owed under the new law. Based on data from last year’s returns, Michiganders should expect to receive an additional $550 on average.
In March, Gov. Whitmer signed legislation quintupling the Michigan Working Families Tax Credit match of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit to 30%, up from 6%. This expansion will deliver an average combined tax refund of $3,150 to 700,000 families, directly impacting nearly one million kids – almost half the kids in Michigan.
What is the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit?
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families (Michigan EITC) is a tax benefit for working individuals with income below a certain level. The Michigan EITC provides a tax credit up to $2,080 for tax year 2022 and $2,229 for tax year 2023. The eligible credit amount depends on several factors – including your income, filing status, number of “qualifying children”, and disability status.
Why are Michiganders receiving additional checks?
While the legislation was intended to provide Michiganders with the tax credit earlier this year, Republican lawmakers blocked a procedural vote, delaying the tax credit for a full year. As a result, the Whitmer Administration retained the funding to begin distributing when the law fully takes effect on February 13, 2024.
Additionally, eligible Michiganders should still apply for the expanded tax credit if they meet the criteria this year. It is possible for Michiganders to receive both the additional Working Families Tax Credit check from their 2022 tax return and also receive the full 30% tax credit on their 2023 tax filing when they file next year.
How and when do MI residents receive their check?
It is estimated to take between five to six weeks to print and distribute all payments. The Department of Treasury will automatically process checks for Michiganders who submitted their 2022 tax return and confirmed eligibility for the additional state credit. Checks will be mailed on a rolling basis as soon as they are printed.
Eligible residents do not need to submit any additional paperwork to receive the tax credit. However, if an individual has moved frequently or recently and has concerns about their address accuracy, Michiganders can manually update it here.
“For many years, we have advocated for an increase to the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, and we are thrilled that Gov. Whitmer signed this substantial boost for working families into law,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
“This increase to the state EITC will directly benefit more than two million Michigan children. This provides a meaningful lift to working families’ incomes, many of whom are still struggling in the wake of the pandemic as household budgets are strained by increasing costs and the expiration of COVID-era financial supports. United Way for Southeastern Michigan applauds Gov. Whitmer and the members of the legislature who brought about this truly exceptional investment in working families across the state.”
To learn more about the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families, you can read more by going here.