Consider donating some of tax refund to a charity

Michigan taxpayers have the opportunity to donate some of their state income tax refund to several charities when filing a state income tax return, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury).

When a taxpayer files their 2016 state income tax return, they can choose to donate $5, $10 or a customized amount among 10 nonprofit organizations. The amount donated will be deducted from the taxpayer’s refund.

“State law provides taxpayers the opportunity to donate dollars directly from their refund to any of these 10 organizations,” said Deputy Treasurer Glenn White, head of Treasury’s Tax Administration Group. “Whether the donation is a set amount or a customized amount, all of the money donated helps our fellow Michiganders.”

For the 2016 tax year, contributions can be made to the following:

• ALS of Michigan (“Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) Fund.
• Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan.
• American Red Cross of Michigan Fund.
• Animal Welfare Fund.
• Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program.
• Children’s Trust Fund – Supporting and Strengthening Families in Michigan.
• Michigan Junior Achievement Fund.
• Military Family Relief Fund.
• Special Olympics Michigan.
• United Way Fund.

Through e-filing or paper filing, taxpayers must complete a Voluntary Contribution Schedule Form 4642 to participate. Michigan income tax return forms are available on Treasury’s website.

To learn more about Michigan’s individual income tax, go to www.michigan.gov/incometax.