LANSING – The Michigan Department of Treasury has processed more than 1.1 million individual income tax returns and issued approximately $565 million in refunds since the 2026 filing season opened on Jan. 26.

To date, Treasury has received over 1.6 million returns, which is an increase of more than 45 percent compared to this time last year. The filing season opened on the same day as the Internal Revenue Service, prompting strong early participation from Michigan taxpayers.

“Most taxpayers can expect to receive their state tax refund within Treasury’s typical four-to-six-week timeframe after receiving confirmation that their return has been accepted,” said Deputy State Treasurer Kavita Kale, who oversees Treasury’s Revenue Services programs. “Those state tax returns that claim multiple credits or requiring additional verification take a little bit more time to process. We are working to ensure taxpayers who file a return receive their refund as fast as practical.”

Many early filers submit more complex returns at the beginning of tax season, contributing to slower average turnaround times for some taxpayers.

Despite the significant increase in filings, Treasury continues to work diligently through the high volume using its newly modernized individual income tax processing system. The upgraded system includes new accuracy checks and updated procedures designed to ensure every return is processed correctly and securely.

Taxpayers are encouraged to check the status of their refund through Michigan Treasury eServices or through the department’s automated phone system. Please note repeated calls to the contact center may increase call waiting times.

“We appreciate the public’s patience during this unusually busy period and encourage taxpayers to carefully review their returns before filing to help reduce errors,” Kale added.

For more information about refund processing or to track the status of a return, taxpayers may visit michigan.gov/wheresmyrefund.