IRS Tax Pro Events How to Participate in e-filing Choosing Tax Preparation Software Other Helpful E-file Information Tax Preparer Resources LISTSERV for Tax Professionals 1040 Modernized e-File (MeF) for Tax Year 2009

E-file lets you submit your clients' Michigan and federal individual income tax returns electronically. Two-thirds (over 3.2 million) of all Michigan taxpayers e-filed their 2008 income tax returns, placing Michigan 3rd in the nation when it comes to e-filing. Thank you for making e-file a success!

Filing tax returns electronically is Secure, Fast, and Convenient, and establishes your tax practice as progressive and consumer-oriented. Approximately 95% of all Michigan income tax returns are eligible for e-file. E-file returns are processed faster than paper returns. Please allow 14 days before checking the status of your e-filed return using the Michigan Department of Treasury's "Check My Income Tax Info" Web site.

Tax preparers filing 200 or more individual income tax returns must e-file all eligible returns supported by their software. If some of your clients are filing credit claims (no MI-1040) the returns must be e-filed if your software supports the State-Only, Credit-Only, or State Stand Alone e-file option. Preparers must also e-file all eligible Single Business Tax and Michigan Business Tax returns that are supported by their software.

The Michigan Department of Treasury, and its customers, continue to benefit from advances in technology that improve efficiencies and enhance the State's tax filing, refund, and audit processes. E-file is a key component in this improvement and enhancement.

Over the last decade, the popularity of e-filing has grown significantly, with two-thirds of all Michigan taxpayers choosing to e-file their 2008 income tax returns. Tax professionals were responsible for a significant percentage of that growth. With the continued support of e-file, by those who prepare and file 200 or more State of Michigan income tax returns, Treasury has experienced an increase in e-file numbers again this year.

• Electronic Filing (Formerly Alternative Filing) Tax Preparer Handbook - Tax Year 2009
  Individual Income Tax Handbook - Electronic Management System (EMS)
  Individual Income Tax Handbook - Modernized e-File (MEF) Supplement
  Michigan Business Tax Handbook
  Single Business Tax Handbook

• e-file Poster for Your Office

• Stay up to date on the latest e-file news. Sign up for the e-mail LISTSERV for Tax Professionals to receive electronic communications on Treasury's e-file programs and other areas of interest.

• View previous messages from the Treasury Tax Professionals' LISTSERV. This page will be updated on a quarterly basis.
  

• Complete the IRS application process to participate in the IRS e-file Program. It takes about 45 days to process the application. Read more about e-file and the IRS application process at www.irs.gov.

• Once your Federal application is completed and approved, the IRS will forward your information to the State of Michigan and you are automatically accepted into the Michigan e-file program. Then you are ready to start e-filing!

• Michigan's Web site list of tax preparers is automatically updated with information received from the IRS. Taxpayers can browse the list to find a preparer who offers e-file. If you do not want to be listed on Michigan's Web site, or you want to change your contact information, you may e-mail the Electronic Filing Programs Office at MIefile2D@michigan.gov. You must include your Electronic Filer Identification Number (EFIN) and telephone number with your request.

• For complete information regarding the Michigan e-file program, please review the Electronic Filing Programs Tax Preparer Handbook.

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Choosing Tax Preparation Software

You will need to purchase tax preparation software that supports e-file. When choosing software, you should consider the following:

• Software must be accepted by the IRS and the State of Michigan.

• Software should support Fed/State and State-Only e-filing.

• How returns are transmitted.

• Volume discounts and/or charges for rejections or retransmissions.

• Number of software updates issued.

• Communication of updates (Web site, modem, express mail, regular mail).

• Technical support.