While the IRS oversees federal tax refunds, your state’s Department of revenue or Department of taxation processes and pays your state income tax refund. Depending on the state, turnaround times can vary from weeks to months. However, most states, including Michigan, offer online tools to track the status of your refund while you wait. You can also check the status of your refund by calling Treasury’s customer service line. The telephone number is 1-800-732-8500, and representatives are available Monday through Friday.
How to Check Refund Status in Michigan?
Michigan is one of those states that offers an online tool to track the status of your state tax refund. To do so, visit the “Where’s My Refund?” page and enter the following information:
- Your social security number
- The date of filing, your filing status,
- The amount of your refund in whole dollars,
- The method of filing (e-file or paper file).
The state expects to start issuing refund checks by Feb. 27 if all key conditions are met, such as the taxpayer has electronically filed their return and chosen direct deposit. This year, Michigan lawmakers passed major tax changes, including a sizable deduction for retirees and an improved earned income credit for working families.
While the eServices site has added banners warning of possible delays, the Treasury Department maintains that it will be processing refunds as normal and that any delay is likely due to higher returns than expected. Still, that’s not sitting well with many taxpayers who are taking to social media and jamming the phones at the Treasury’s eServices line.
When Will I Receive My Michigan Refund?
Those who filed their return electronically can expect to have their refund status available within two weeks of the department accepting their returns. Paper-filed returns will need up to six weeks to process.
One reason why refunds have been taking longer this year is because of key changes in the way the state taxes its residents. The state’s legislature passed new tax rules in early 2023, including a significant increase in the earned income credit for families of modest means. Those changes kicked in on Feb. 13, resulting in extra work for the Treasury’s processing team.
Those changes have also caused confusion for some, with questions about how the new rules might impact their refunds. That’s why the Treasury has taken to social media to clarify the new rules and answer frequently asked questions. The eServices site also includes tools and resources for those who might have questions or issues with their state refunds this year. A good place to start is by visiting the page for individual income tax eServices.