How to File for an Extension on Taxes in Michigan
As a Michigan resident, you are responsible for filing and paying your Michigan taxes on time. But when circumstances such as a natural disaster or job loss hinder your ability to meet the filing deadline, you can easily request an extension through the Michigan Department of Treasury's website.
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Things You'll Need
- Document-sharing program, such as Adobe reader
- Printer
- Pen
- Envelope and postage
Instructions
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Download Form 4, titled "Application for Extension of Time to File Michigan Tax Returns," from the state website, michigan.gov (see link in References). The form is a PDF (Portable Document Format) file, which means you'll need a document-sharing program such as Adobe Reader to properly display the form after download.
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Skim the form before you fill it out. It includes important instructions and exceptions that may be applicable to your situation.
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Complete the form, which has 13 sections requesting personal information and tax estimations. Some document-sharing programs, such as Adobe Reader, permit you to type your information directly into each field while the form is displayed on your computer screen. You may then print the form out. If you are unable to type into the form, simply print it out and complete it by hand with a pen.
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Compute your estimated tax and payment. According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. On Form 4, note the section titled "Penalty and Interest." Also in that section is a table that will help you determine tax due.
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Make your check payable to "State of Michigan" if you must make an estimated tax payment. Print your Social Security or account number and "Michigan Extension" on the front of the check.
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Mail the form and check to:
Michigan Department of Treasury
P.O. Box 30774
Lansing, MI 48909-8274
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Tips & Warnings
A "Certificate of Mailing" from your post office can serve as verification that you sent the form.
As an alternative to mailing in the form, you may consider using an online e-file program. If you owe taxes and wish to pay your estimates along with your extension, some sites will accommodate that as well. For more details, go to the state website's listing of companies offering online filing (see Resources).
Returns are usually due April 15. Even if you file for an extension, your tax payment, if you owe, is still due by that date, and you may face financial penalties if you fail to pay by then. "Filing" your taxes may be thought of as simply keeping a record, but a record does not satisfy money owed.
References
Resources
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