Last updated: May 19, 2026
Tax information only
This guide is general information, not tax advice. Tax rules can change, and your result depends on your income, filing status, children, custody facts, rent, property taxes, heat costs, and documents. Use official sources, free tax help, or a qualified tax preparer before you file.
Bottom line
If you are a working single mother in Michigan, start with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, then claim the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families on your Michigan return. Michigan says its EITC is 30% of your federal EITC, and the 2025 maximum Michigan credit is $2,414. You still must file a federal return and a Michigan MI-1040 to get it, even if you do not owe tax.
Do not stop there. Many Michigan renters and homeowners should also check the Homestead Property Tax Credit. Families with heating costs should check the Home Heating Credit. Parents may also qualify for the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, or education credits.
If you need help before a refund arrives
Tax refunds can help, but they are not emergency aid. If you need food, rent, heat, utility, child care, or cash help now, contact Michigan 2-1-1 and apply through MI Bridges. Michigan State Emergency Relief may help when heat or electric service has been or will be shut off, and MDHHS explains heat and utility help on its Heat & Utilities page.
For more next steps, see ASMOM’s Michigan emergency help, bills help hub, and Michigan help guide.
Where to start
If you worked in 2025
Check the federal EITC first with the EITC Assistant. If you qualify federally, check the Michigan EITC too.
If you have children
Ask your tax preparer to check the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, child care credit, and filing status. ASMOM’s Child Tax Credit guide can help you prepare questions.
If you rent or own
Check the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit. It can help renters and homeowners with property taxes or rent that includes property tax costs.
If heating bills are high
File the Home Heating Credit by September 30, 2026 for tax year 2025. This deadline is separate from the regular income tax deadline.
Quick reference table
| Credit or help | What it helps with | Where to check | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal EITC | Refundable credit for many workers with low or moderate income | IRS EITC tables | You need earned income and must meet IRS rules. |
| Michigan EITC | Michigan refundable credit tied to your federal EITC | Michigan EITC page | If you do not qualify for federal EITC, you do not qualify for Michigan EITC. |
| Child Tax Credit | Federal credit for qualifying children under age 17 | Schedule 8812 | For 2025, SSN rules are stricter for the taxpayer and child. |
| Child care credit | Care costs paid so you could work or look for work | Publication 503 | It is limited by your tax and usually is not refundable. |
| Homestead credit | Michigan property tax help for renters and homeowners | Homestead credit | Income and taxable value limits apply. |
| Home Heating Credit | Help with home heating costs | Heating instructions | The 2025 claim deadline is September 30, 2026. |
Federal and Michigan EITC
The Earned Income Tax Credit is often the most important tax credit for working single mothers. The IRS says EITC is based on earned income, adjusted gross income, filing status, investment income, and the number of qualifying children. Earned income can include wages, tips, self-employment income, gig work, farm income, and some disability pay before minimum retirement age.
For tax year 2025, the IRS lists these maximum federal EITC amounts and income limits for single, head of household, married filing separately, or qualifying surviving spouse filers. Use the IRS table or a VITA site for the exact credit because the amount changes as income rises or falls.
| Qualifying children | 2025 max federal EITC | 2025 income must be below | 2025 max Michigan EITC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $649 | $19,104 | 30% of federal amount |
| 1 | $4,328 | $50,434 | 30% of federal amount |
| 2 | $7,152 | $57,310 | 30% of federal amount |
| 3 or more | $8,046 | $61,555 | Up to $2,414 |
The IRS also sets a 2025 investment income limit of $11,950. If you are close to any limit, use free tax help before deciding you do not qualify.
How to claim it
File a federal Form 1040 and claim the federal EITC. If you have qualifying children, the return usually includes Schedule EIC. Then file the Michigan MI-1040 and claim the Michigan EITC. The 2025 Michigan form shows the Michigan EITC as 30% of the federal earned income credit, and the 2025 Michigan return is due April 15, 2026.
If you are planning for the next filing season, use ASMOM’s tax help hub to sort tax help from other assistance.
Child tax credits and care credits
Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit
For tax year 2025, the IRS says the maximum Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per qualifying child, and the maximum refundable Additional Child Tax Credit is $1,700 per qualifying child. A qualifying child generally must be under age 17 at the end of the year, meet relationship and residency rules, and have the required Social Security number.
Beginning in tax year 2025, the IRS instructions say a taxpayer must have a valid SSN to claim the Child Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. On a joint return, one filer must have a valid SSN, and the other filer must have either an SSN or ITIN issued by the return due date. The child must also have the required SSN. This can affect mixed-status families, so ask a VITA site or qualified preparer before filing.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
This credit can help if you paid for child care so you could work or look for work. For 2025, IRS Publication 503 says the expense limit is $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more qualifying people. The credit percentage is 20% to 35%, based on adjusted gross income. The IRS also says you must complete Form 2441 and attach it to your federal return.
This credit is not the same as the Child Tax Credit. It also usually cannot create a refund by itself because it is limited to your tax. You need your provider’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number. If your employer put dependent care benefits in box 10 of your W-2, those benefits can reduce the expenses you can use.
If child care costs are the bigger problem, see child care hub and Michigan child care for non-tax help.
Education credits
If you, your child, or a dependent took college or career courses, ask about education credits. The IRS has two main credits: the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit. The AOTC page says AOTC can be worth up to $2,500 per eligible student, with up to $1,000 refundable. The IRS education credits page compares both credits.
Michigan credits renters and homeowners should check
Homestead Property Tax Credit
The Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit can help qualified renters and homeowners with property taxes. Michigan says renters can qualify if they occupy a Michigan rental under a lease, and homeowners can qualify if they own and occupy the home. You must have been a Michigan resident for at least six months of the year, and your total household resources must be under the yearly limit.
For tax year 2025, Michigan lists a maximum taxable value of $165,400, a total household resources limit of $71,500, a phase-out that begins when total household resources exceed $62,500, and a credit limit of $1,900. Renters do not use the homeowner taxable value cap, but they still need rent records and total household resources.
Home Heating Credit
The Home Heating Credit is separate from regular income tax. Michigan’s 2025 instruction book says the deadline for a 2025 claim is September 30, 2026. It also says the credit may go directly to your heat provider or to you as a draft or check. You can file the Home Heating Credit with or without a Michigan income tax return.
| Michigan credit | 2025 key numbers | Form | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead Property Tax Credit | THR limit $71,500; credit limit $1,900 | MI-1040CR | Can usually be filed up to four years back. |
| Home Heating Credit | Standard allowance starts at $604 for 0 or 1 exemption | MI-1040CR-7 | Deadline is September 30, 2026 for 2025. |
| Michigan EITC | 30% of federal EITC; 2025 max $2,414 | MI-1040 | Must claim federal EITC first. |
If housing or utilities are an ongoing problem, use ASMOM’s housing help hub, Michigan housing help, and Michigan’s energy assistance page.
Free filing help in Michigan
Do not pay a large fee if you can use free help. The IRS says VITA and TCE programs offer free tax help for qualifying taxpayers at sites across the country. You can use IRS free tax help, Michigan Free Tax Help, or call 2-1-1 to ask for a nearby appointment.
Free tax sites can be busy from late January through April. Ask whether the site can handle Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit, Home Heating Credit, self-employment income, custody issues, or prior-year returns before you make the trip.
Michigan Treasury eServices lets taxpayers free file the state return, make payments, check refund status, view tax records, respond to letters, and communicate with Treasury. Use the state’s Michigan eServices page for that portal.
Documents to gather before you file
Bring more proof than you think you need. IRS and Michigan letters often ask for documents later when a child, address, income amount, or credit is questioned.
| Bring this | Why it matters | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and tax IDs | Needed to file and claim dependents | Photo ID, SSN cards, ITIN letters, prior return |
| Income proof | Needed for EITC and credits | W-2, 1099, gig records, self-employment expenses |
| Child residency proof | Needed when EITC or CTC is questioned | School, medical, child care, benefit, or lease records |
| Child care proof | Needed for Form 2441 | Provider EIN or SSN, receipts, provider address |
| Housing proof | Needed for Michigan credits | Lease, rent paid, property tax bills, heat bills |
| Bank details | Needed for direct deposit | Routing number and account number |
The IRS tax prep checklist has a longer list. If you also need food or benefit help while gathering documents, see ASMOM’s SNAP guide, Michigan food help, WIC guide, and Michigan WIC help.
Common mistakes that delay refunds
- Claiming a child who did not live with you for the required time.
- Using the wrong filing status because you are separated, unmarried, or sharing a home.
- Forgetting self-employment income or not keeping expense records.
- Missing the Home Heating Credit deadline.
- Filing on paper when e-file is available.
- Using a paid preparer who will not sign the return.
- Not opening IRS or Michigan Treasury letters quickly.
If your refund is delayed, denied, or claimed by someone else
If you claimed EITC or ACTC, the IRS cannot issue the whole refund before mid-February. The IRS also says it will send a letter if it needs more information. Use IRS refund timing and Michigan’s Where’s My Refund page to check status.
If Michigan says it needs more information, respond through the method in the letter. For state issues you could not fix through normal channels, Michigan says the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate is a last-resort resource after you first contact the Individual Income Tax Contact Center at 517-636-4486. Use the Michigan Taxpayer Advocate page only after that first step.
If the IRS issue is causing hardship and normal IRS steps have not worked, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate may be able to help. If another parent or relative claimed your child, do not guess. A free tax site, legal aid office, or qualified preparer can help you respond with the right forms and proof. For child support and family support questions, use official child support and court resources before making tax decisions.
Backup help if tax credits are not enough
Tax credits are only one part of a bigger plan. If your refund is smaller than expected, or you do not qualify, check benefit and local help paths too. Michigan families may be able to apply for food, cash, health coverage, child care, emergency relief, and utility help through MI Bridges. ASMOM also has a TANF guide and Michigan TANF help for cash assistance questions.
Short phone scripts
Calling a free tax site
“Hi, I am a Michigan single parent. I need help filing a 2025 federal and Michigan return. Can your site help with EITC, the Michigan EITC, the Homestead Property Tax Credit, and the Home Heating Credit?”
Calling Michigan Treasury
“Hi, I filed my Michigan return and need help understanding my refund or letter. I have my return, Social Security number, filing status, and letter number ready. What is the next step?”
Calling 2-1-1
“Hi, I am waiting on a tax refund, but I need help with food, rent, heat, utilities, or child care now. Can you search for programs in my ZIP code?”
Calling about child care taxes
“Hi, I paid for child care so I could work. Can you give me your legal business name, address, and tax ID so I can complete Form 2441?”
Resumen en español
Si trabajó en 2025, revise primero el crédito federal EITC. Si califica para el EITC federal, también puede calificar para el EITC de Michigan, que es 30% del crédito federal. También revise el Crédito Tributario por Hijos, el crédito por cuidado de niños, el Crédito de Propiedad Homestead de Michigan y el Crédito de Calefacción del Hogar.
Guarde sus W-2, 1099, tarjetas de Seguro Social, prueba de residencia de sus hijos, recibos de renta, facturas de impuestos de propiedad, recibos de cuidado infantil y facturas de calefacción. Para ayuda gratis con impuestos, busque VITA/TCE o llame al 2-1-1. Si necesita comida, renta, calefacción o servicios públicos ahora, solicite ayuda por MI Bridges.
FAQ
Is the Michigan EITC automatic?
No. You must claim the federal EITC on your federal return and claim the Michigan EITC on your Michigan MI-1040. Michigan says you must file even if you do not owe tax.
Can I get tax credits if I owe no tax?
Sometimes. EITC and the Michigan EITC are refundable. The Additional Child Tax Credit may also be refundable. Some credits, like the regular Child and Dependent Care Credit, are limited by your tax and may not create a refund by themselves.
Can renters claim the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit?
Yes, some renters can qualify if they rent and occupy a Michigan homestead under a lease and meet the other state rules. Keep your lease and proof of rent paid.
What if another parent claimed my child?
Do not file based on a guess. Gather proof of where the child lived, who paid care costs, and any custody papers. A VITA site, qualified preparer, or legal aid office can help you respond correctly.
What if I missed a deadline?
It depends on the credit. Michigan says the Home Heating Credit has a September 30 deadline for that claim year. Homestead credits and regular refunds may have different time limits. Ask Treasury or a tax site before giving up.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 19, 2026, next review August 19, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.