Michigan Tax Guide 2026

Everything residents of Michigan need to know about state taxes in 2026 — income brackets, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, retirement, and small-business taxation, with planning tips aligned to current IRS guidance.

At a glance

Income tax system

Flat-rate income tax

Effective income rate

4.25%

Capital gains

4.25%

Property tax

1.38%

Combined sales tax

6.00%

Retirement income

Partial exemption (age / income limits apply)

Income tax

Michigan uses a flat-rate income tax. The average effective rate on wage income is 4.25%. Federal tax still applies; see our income tax calculator for a full breakdown.

Property tax

Effective property tax averages 1.38% of assessed home value. On a $400,000 home that is roughly $5,520 per year. Run your own number with the property tax calculator.

Sales tax

Combined state + local sales tax averages 6.00%. Some categories (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) may be exempt or taxed at a lower rate.

Capital gains

Michigan taxes long-term capital gains at approximately 4.25%. Federal rates of 0/15/20% plus 3.8% NIIT above MAGI thresholds apply on top.

Estimate yours with the capital gains calculator.

Retirement taxation

Partial exemption (age / income limits apply). Adjust contributions in our calculators to model the impact of pre-tax 401(k) / Traditional IRA contributions on your Michigan liability.

Business taxation

Flat 4.25% individual; phasing out retirement-income tax through 2026.

Michigan tax credits & deductions

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (state match)
  • Child & Dependent Care credit
  • Residential energy credit

Eligibility usually depends on AGI, filing status, and residency. Verify current-year rules with the Michigan Department of Revenue or a CPA.

Planning tips for Michigan residents

  • Maximize pre-tax retirement contributions to reduce state taxable income.
  • Bunch itemizable deductions into a single year when above the standard deduction.
  • Time long-term capital gains for years of lower other income.

Compare Michigan to other states

Recommended Tax Filing Software

Once you know what you owe, file with software built for your situation. We compare the top U.S. options below.

Editor's pick

TurboTax

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Best for in-person backup

4.5·$0 – $115 federal
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File with H&R Block

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Best value for self-employed

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File with TaxAct

FreeTaxUSA

Best truly-free federal e-file

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Frequently asked questions

Yes. Michigan uses a flat-rate income tax with an average effective rate around 4.25%.

Related Michigan calculators & resources

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