Some residents in Michigan will begin receiving checks worth hundreds of dollars as part of a $1 billion tax cut for families.
Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that 700,000 families who are eligible for Working Families Tax Credit will begin receiving checks worth an average of $550 starting on February 13.
The process of sending out the refunds is expected to take five to six weeks.
"Last year, the majority in the Michigan Legislature and I quintupled the Working Families Tax Credit, which will put hundreds more dollars back in the pockets of 700,000 working families," Whitmer said.
"These checks that are starting to be mailed out this week will lift tens of thousands of people out of working poverty and directly benefit half the children in Michigan by helping their moms and dads pay the bills, put food on the table, and buy school supplies. We got your back in Michigan as you work hard and support your family. Together, let's build a brighter future and a stronger economy."
Newsweek has reached out to Whitmer's office for additional comment via email.
How much will be refunded depends on a number of factors, including your income, filing status, number of qualifying children and whether or not you have a disability. It will be available for any who qualified as part of their 2022 tax return.
The change is based on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, expanding it from 6 percent to 30 percent, according to a press release from Whitmer's office.
Who Will Receive Checks?
For 2022, eligible taxpayers were given a 6 percent Working Families Tax Credit when they filed their state individual income tax returns.
Now, the new law means taxpayers who qualify will receive an additional check for the remaining 24 percent portion of their 2022 tax year Working Families Tax Credit.
The tax credit was delayed a year after Republicans lawmakers blocked a procedural vote, according to the governor's office. However, amounts will be retroactively applied to the 2022 tax year so "Michiganders will get the money that was owed to them," Whitmer's office said.
How Can I Get My Check?
The Department of Treasury will automatically issue checks for those who have confirmed eligibility as part of their 2022 tax return. The governor's office said no additional paperwork is required.
However, the office encouraged those who recently moved or frequently change their address to update their details.
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