Tax credit helps low-income Michiganders with winter energy bills

A Michigan tax credit that helps low-income customers with their winter home heating bills is now being processed by the state.

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announces that the Michigan Department of Treasury is processing Michigan Home Heating Credits (HHC) for the 2012 tax year.

     Instruction booklets and forms have been mailed out by the Department of Treasury. More than 75 percent of the HHCs were e-filed in 2012. For those people who file a tax return, the Michigan Department of Treasury encourages them to e-file their returns because it speeds processing and reduces errors for the HHC.      

Individuals may apply for the HHC even if they do not file a tax return.

AARP Michigan supports the protection of, and strengthening of, programs like this that help the 50 and older meet their home fuel costs and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

     To find an authorized e-file provider and information on free e-file services, visit Treasury's website: MIFastFile.org ( http://www.mifastfile.org/).

Forms and instructional materials are available on the Internet at michigan.gov/incometax  or by calling 517-636-4486.

     In addition, forms will be available at many libraries and post offices in Northern Michigan and Department of Human Services branch offices across the state. Heating assistance information is available at michigan.gov/heatingassistance.

     The MPSC's BeWinterWise website provides additional information: michigan.gov/bewinterwise.

Photo by Stephen Downes.