Every year, hundreds of Detroiters fall prey to tax-related scams, identity theft, payday loans and worse. Prevention and education are among the best ways to stop these financial crimes.

Michigan’s Treasury Department recently published guidelines to help. With the state’s individual income tax filing season started, it has never been a better time to reach out for tax help, advice and more.

Effective immediately, Michiganders can start filing their 2016 tax year state individual income tax returns online or through the U.S. Mail. All individual income tax returns must be e-filed or postmarked by Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

“The easiest and quickest way for Michigan taxpayers to get their refund is to file electronically,” Michigan Treasurer Nick Khouri said. “This helps ensure tax returns are accurate and improves tax refund turnaround times.”

Choosing electronic filing and direct deposit is convenient, safe and secure. Last year, more than 4 million Michigan taxpayers e-filed and had their refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts.
After Feb. 1, limited quantities of printed tax forms will be available at public libraries, U.S. Post Offices in northern Michigan, Department of Health and Human Services county offices and Treasury Field Offices. Individuals who would like 2016 tax forms mailed to them should call 517-636-4486.

For the benefit and convenience of taxpayers, both the beginning and end of the individual income tax filing season are the same as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Here are some ways to protect yourself from tax-related issues:

Track Your Refund: Through Treasury’s “Where’s my Refund?” system, taxpayers can track the status of their state tax return. Individuals who e-file can see their refund status 14 days from the date confirmation was received that their state return was accepted. Paper returns filers may see their status between 6 and 8 weeks after postmarking.

Fraud Prevention: The Michigan Department of Treasury takes protecting taxpayer information and refunds very seriously. To combat tax-related identify theft, an identify confirmation process has been implemented. If a taxpayer receives a letter from the state treasury department asking for identify confirmation, please follow the instructions outlined in the letter. More information about fraud prevention efforts is available at www.michigan.gov/incometax or by calling 517-636-4486. During the 2015 tax year, more than 22,100 returns were stopped that prevented more than $11.7 million in potentially fraudulent refunds being issued by the state of Michigan.

Free Tax Help: Seniors and individuals with functional needs may qualify for free tax preparation help from IRS-trained volunteers or Tax Counseling for the Elderly preparers. For information about free tax help, go to www.michiganfreetaxhelp.org or dial 2-1-1.

To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax or to download forms, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax. For more information about e-filing, go to www.mifastfile.org.

  fraud, taxes, treasury