MI-1040CR (HOMESTEAD CREDIT) ONLY TAX RETURN CHECKLIST

Print this checklist or keep it open while you work on your return. You should start at the top and complete each step in order. If you are planning to e-file, click on the following link and take a moment to review ways you can avoid common errors which will cause a rejection of your return: Avoiding Common Errors.

Before you get started we would like to suggest that you take a few moments to sketch your return out by hand. It doesn't have to look pretty. You can use the Forms & Instructions link on our homepage to print out a blank copy of the forms. We recommend this because it will help you to accurately complete your return. Think of it as being similar to balancing a checkbook. You have a checkbook in one hand and a bank statement (with a reconciliation) in the other. The goal is to get the two to agree to each other. The same concept can be applied to the preparation of your return. First, you sketch out your return by hand. Second, you key your information into our website. Then you can compare the two (when you get to Step 8 below) and eliminate any differences. Any differences you find will occur either from an error in you handwritten calculations or from a keying error when you entered your information in our website.

Step 1 (Browser Settings): We use temporary or session cookies to keep track of users while they are logged on. We also use JavaScript to verify the completeness and punctuation of information before it is forwarded to the server. Make sure your browser is using default settings. If you are using Internet Explorer go to the toolbar and select Tools/Internet Options. Make sure the Security and Advanced tabs are set to Default. The Privacy tab should be set no higher than Medium. On the General tab the Temporary Internet Files Setting (used for checking for newer versions of stored webpages) should be set to automatically. Then close all windows you have open (other than this one and our homepage). Note: we recommend you do not use browser options for remembering passwords or data you enter on different pages. If your browser prompts you for this option (with a pop up message) we recommend you answer no.

Step 2 (Password Request): Click the blue button on our homepage. Answer No to the password question if you need to have a password emailed to you.

Step 3 (Log On): Once you have a password you can log on to the server. After clicking the blue button on our homepage and answering Yes to the password question, enter the requested log on information. If you have problems logging on, make sure you are typing the email address and password correctly. If you continue to have problems try using your mouse to highlight the password and email address contained within your password email and paste them onto the log on page.

Step 4 (Primary SSN): After you have logged on you are asked to enter the Primary Social Security Number for the return you intend to work on.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Even though you are doing a state only return, you still need to include Federal return information as part of your state (only) return. Therefore, you need to enter Federal information in Steps 5 through 7.

Step 5 (Section 1): Complete the Name and Address for the Primary Taxpayer. Then select the filing status you intend to use for the return. Use either Single or Joint Return. Also indicate if you want your refund sent as a paper check. IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT check any other boxes on the page.

Step 6 (Section 2): If you are filing Jointly, enter the SSN and Name of your spouse. Check the Other Income box. Select Michigan from the State tax return menu at the bottom of the page. Make sure you also check the state only box at the bottom of the page. IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure no other boxes on the page are checked.

Step 7 (Section 3): The Section 3 page will appear with two links on it. Open the Other Income link and enter $1. Click the Continue button. Open the Michigan link and check only the 1040CR box (its the second one from the bottom). IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT check any other boxes on the page. Click the Continue button. You will see three links. Open the first one and enter your Michigan School District Code. Click the Continue button to return to the page containing the three Michigan links. Open the last link and enter your input for the 1040CR. Click the Continue button to return to the page containing the three Michigan links. Click the Continue button to return to the beginning of Section 3. Then click the Continue button to move to the next step (Section 4).

Step 8 (Section 4): The Section 4 page displays the calculated amount of your refund or balance due. A series of links is displayed representing the various pages in your return(s). Review your return(s). You may want to make an initial print out of your return(s) and do a review on paper. Make sure the bottom of Page 1 of the Federal return shows $1 of Adjusted Gross Income. Make sure the refund at the bottom of Page 2 of the Michigan 1040 equals the credit at the bottom of Page 1 of the Michigan 1040CR. If you need to make changes click the Go Back button to return to Step 5 (Section 1) and cycle through back to this step. If you return to Section 3 to make changes it is not necessary to reopen every link on the page (just open the ones you need to change). Once you are satisfied with your return(s) make a print out or open each link and save a copy of the complete webpage to a floppy disk. Click the Continue button if you are planning to e-file.

Step 9 (Signature): There are two ways to sign an e-filed state only Michigan return. You can file a completely paperless return using a self-select PIN (the Michigan ESA) or you can mail an MI-8453 signature page. Choose the type of signature you wish to use.

Step 10 (Section 5): Information necessary to complete the e-filing of your return is requested.

Step 11: The next page will send you to our secure credit card processor if you need to pay our fee. Once your credit card payment is approved, your return is transmitted. Users making a retransmission of a rejected return are moved from Step 10 directly to Step 12.

Step 12 (Log Out): A Thank You page is displayed and you are logged out. The government lets us know within 56 hours plus 1 to 2 business days if your return is accepted or rejected. We relay this information to you via the email address you used to request a password. Be sure to look for this email and follow any instructions given to you when you get it. Send us an email inquiry if you do not receive it. If you are not using a self-select PIN and instead plan to mail your signature, we include the required DCN number in your email so you can pencil it in on the form before you mail it. Once you have made an approved credit card payment you can Delete your return information from the server (using the Delete button on our homepage). If your return is rejected we will restore your rejected return onto the server so you can make corrections. Before you Delete your information make sure you have printed or saved a copy of your return. We currently do not charge a retrieval fee to e-file users who Delete their return and then ask for a copy at a later date. However, we do reserve the right to begin charging for this service in the future.