Under the MBT, "compensation" is a defined term - with inclusions and exceptions not listed here - that generally means:

all wages, salaries, fees, bonuses, commissions, other payments made in the tax year on behalf of or for the benefit of employees, officers, or directors of the taxpayers, and any earnings that are net earnings from self-employment as defined under section 1402 of the internal revenue code of the taxpayer or a partner or limited liability company member of the taxpayer. [MCL 208.1107(2).]

Compensation is "in this state" if (a) the individual's service is performed entirely within Michigan, or (b) the individual's service is performed both within Michigan and outside Michigan, but the service performed outside Michigan is incidental to the individual's service within Michigan.

              Example 1. SalesCo employs Salesperson whose territory includes both Detroit and Toledo. Salesperson's calls on customers located in both Michigan and Ohio. The compensation paid to Salesperson is not "compensation in this state" because Salesperson's activity is not limited solely to Michigan, and calling on customers in Ohio is not incidental to Salesperson's activity in Michigan.

              Example 2. Manufacturer employs Engineer at its Michigan facility. Several times a year, Engineer travels out of state to meet with suppliers. Although Engineer performs services both within Michigan and outside Michigan, Engineer's out-of-state services are incidental to Engineer's services within Michigan. The compensation paid to Engineer is "compensation in this state."