EXTENSIONS
There are two federal extensions: an extension of time to file
and an extension of time to pay. Use an estimated payment
voucher to pay the tax due during the extension.
The time to file a Michigan return is automatically extended
if a federal extension of time to file is approved. An extension
of time to file does not extend the time to pay the tax due.
The time to pay the Michigan tax is automatically extended
if a federal extension of time to pay is approved. Interest is
due during the extension.
Copies of all approved federal extensions must be attached
to the Michigan return when it is filed.
PENALTY
If the return or payment is late, Treasury will add penalty of
5 percent of the tax due every month until the return is filed
and the tax is paid. Maximum late penalty is 50 percent of the
balance of tax due. Minimum penalty is $10. Penalty is due
on any tax paid after nine months from the date of death.
INTEREST
No interest is due if the tax is paid by the due date. Interest
accrues during an extension. The annual interest rate is 1
percent above the current prime rate and is adjusted on July
1 and January 1. Call (517) 636-4330 for the current rate or
check Treasury's web site at: www.michigan.gov/treasury.
WHAT IS A
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE?
A personal representative (PR) of an estate may be any one
of the following:
• the court appointed PR, executor, trustee, or administrator
(including an independent PR).
• If the court does not appoint a PR, then every person who
is in the actual or constructive possession of any property
included in the gross estate of the decedent is considered
a PR.
• Any other person required to file a return or pay the estate
tax under this act.
If the PR makes a distribution of any of the property
subject to a transfer tax without paying the tax due or
obtaining the necessary estate tax lien release for the real
property, the PR will become personally liable for the tax,
penalties and interest due. A PR may acquire and dispose of
estate assets for the payment of the estate tax in the same
manner as for the payment of debts of the decedent.
WHICH RETURN DO I FILE?
Michigan has two estate tax returns. Complete the return
which applies to the estate.
1. Form MI-706, Michigan Estate Tax Return.
This return is for estates of persons who were Michigan
residents and whose real or tangible personal property is
located only in Michigan.
2. Form MI-706A, Michigan Estate Tax Return - A.
This return is for estates of persons who were Michigan
residents and who had real or tangible personal property
located in another state. It is also for estates of nonresidents
with real or tangible personal property located in Michigan.
PRs completing form MI-706A should do the following.
• Be sure federal schedules show the city and state of all real
or tangible personal property.
• When claiming credit for taxes paid to another state, be
sure to attach proof of payment. We will disallow claims
made without proof of payment.
AMENDED RETURNS
When the IRS adjusts the amount of federal tax due, an
amended return must be filed with the Michigan Department
of Treasury.
1. If additional tax is due, the amended return must be filed
within 60 days of the final IRS determination and payment
must be enclosed. Include in your payment interest due
from the due date of the tax, and penalty beginning on the
61st day. Attach a copy of the IRS closing letter.
2. If the estate is entitled to a refund the amended return must
be filed within one year of the final IRS determination.
When filing an amended return, use the
MI-706 (or MI-706A) and check the box in the upper right
corner indicating amended return. Use only corrected figures
on the form. Include any tax paid with the original return on
MI-706, line 11 (or MI-706A, line 21). Reduce the amount
you enter on this line by any estate tax refund received.
ROUNDING
Enter amounts in whole dollars. Round down amounts less
than 50 cents. Round up amounts of 50 through 99 cents.
LIENS AND WAIVER OF LIENS
The Michigan estate tax is a lien on the gross value of the
estate until the tax is paid in full. If personal property is
sold, the lien attaches to the consideration (i.e. money)
received from the property.
If real estate is being transferred before the due date of
the tax or before the Receipt/Discharge of Liability has
been issued, Treasury will waive the lien for all or part of
the real property under the following conditions.
1. If any part of the real estate must be sold to pay claims
against the estate or administration expenses.
2. If Treasury believes no tax liability exists.
3