I read that in Michigan, if you’re single and earned less than $14,600, you don’t have to file a tax return. However, I’ve started my return and it says I owe state taxes. I have state tax withheld from my paycheck, and I’ve never had to pay extra before. I noticed on my tax forms from my employer that I have $800 in deductions (using Square Up), but I never set that up. Can I just not file? Help!
Filing taxes is easy and free. If you’ve paid taxes, you’ll likely get a refund. So it’s worth filing, but it’s up to you.
Gray said:
Filing taxes is easy and free. If you’ve paid taxes, you’ll likely get a refund. So it’s worth filing, but it’s up to you.
I usually file for free on Cash App taxes and get a refund, but this year it says I owe state tax…
@Orion
Try using the IRS free file tool instead. Do you owe more state tax than you’ll get back from the federal refund?
Gray said:
@Orion
Try using the IRS free file tool instead. Do you owe more state tax than you’ll get back from the federal refund?
I’ll check it out! I’m only getting back $28 from federal.
@Orion
Based on what you’ve said, it makes sense. You shouldn’t owe much in state taxes, if at all.
Where did you get the $14,600 number from?
Linden said:
Where did you get the $14,600 number from?
Here’s the link I found: Check if you need to file a tax return | Internal Revenue Service
Linden said:
Where did you get the $14,600 number from?
Here’s the link I found: Check if you need to file a tax return | Internal Revenue Service
That $14,600 number likely applies to federal requirements. State tax rules can be different.
What do the amounts in boxes 1, 2, and 17 of your W-2 say?
Ash said:
What do the amounts in boxes 1, 2, and 17 of your W-2 say?
$11,559 (income), $28 (federal tax), $259 (state tax). My federal tax is really low, which is weird since I made less last year and had higher federal tax then.
Ash said:
What do the amounts in boxes 1, 2, and 17 of your W-2 say?
In Michigan, if you’re single and under 65, you must file a state return if your income exceeds $5,600. Here’s the link to Michigan’s filing requirements: Link
Ash said:
What do the amounts in boxes 1, 2, and 17 of your W-2 say?
You don’t have to file if you make less than the required amount in Michigan.
Ash said:
What do the amounts in boxes 1, 2, and 17 of your W-2 say?
So, can I just ignore the ‘you owe $169 in state taxes’ notice?
Ash said:
What do the amounts in boxes 1, 2, and 17 of your W-2 say?
So, can I just ignore the ‘you owe $169 in state taxes’ notice?
You were mistaken about Michigan’s filing requirements. If you owe state tax, you must file.
Ash said:
What do the amounts in boxes 1, 2, and 17 of your W-2 say?
So, can I just ignore the ‘you owe $169 in state taxes’ notice?
You’re right—if you earned less than the standard deduction, you shouldn’t owe taxes. You might be missing something in the details.
Check your income against Michigan’s filing requirements.
Even if you don’t need to file, you still have to pay taxes on any income. Whether you file or not, the state will still expect payment if you owe taxes.