Delays in Michigan State Tax Refunds
Thursday marks one month since tax returns started being accepted by both the federal government and the state of Michigan.
Recently, 7 News Detroit has been inundated with emails from people concerned about the delays in receiving their state refunds. One individual noted, “While my federal refund has already been processed and paid, my Michigan state refund is still stuck, and there’s little clarity from the Department of Treasury.”
In response to these concerns, we contacted the Michigan Department of Treasury for some clarity.
A spokesperson provided the following insights:
The department began accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026, coinciding with the IRS’s start date for federal returns. Since then, they have received over 1.6 million returns, which is an increase of more than 45% compared to last year.
Moreover, the Treasury has recently updated its personal income tax system, which has led to revised processing procedures aimed at ensuring accuracy. However, the sheer volume of returns means processing times can vary widely. Returns with multiple refundable credits, like home heating credits, often experience longer processing times. This results in differing refund schedules for taxpayers. Interestingly, many returns submitted earlier this year were found to be more complex, which has led to shorter average turnaround times.
The spokesperson emphasized their commitment to high service levels, admitting that the surge in inquiries has posed challenges. To track refunds efficiently, taxpayers are encouraged to use the Michigan Department of Treasury eServices or the automated phone system. Frequent calls to the contact center could actually slow things down further.
As of now, over 1.1 million returns have been processed, with around $565 million refunded. Typically, most taxpayers should expect their refunds within the usual timeframe of four to six weeks following confirmation of their returns.
The timing for more complicated refunds—those with multiple credits or any errors—largely depends on how quickly taxpayers provide additional requested information. Taxpayers are advised to take their time preparing their returns to minimize mistakes. For more details, they can visit michigan.gov/wheresmyrefund.
