Flint to Move Income Tax Filing to State System in 2027
Residents will gain the ability to file city and state income taxes simultaneously starting January 1.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Taxes
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The Michigan Department of Treasury will take over processing for Flint city income tax returns beginning January 1, 2027. This shift will allow Flint taxpayers to file their city and state income tax returns simultaneously through a unified state-administered system.
Why it matters
This transition aims to streamline the tax-filing process for local households while providing the city with more effective tools to ensure accurate revenue collection. By consolidating filing, the city hopes to reduce administrative hurdles for taxpayers and improve overall compliance.
Flint residents face a 1% income tax rate, while non-residents working in the city pay 0.5%. The change follows a model seen in Detroit, which saw tax revenue grow 54% since shifting to state processing in 2015.
The players
Michigan Department of Treasury
The state agency responsible for overseeing tax policy and managing the administration of income tax collection for municipalities.
City of Flint
The local government entity that currently levies a 1% income tax on residents and a 0.5% rate on non-residents who work within city limits.
The details
Beginning in 2027, the state-administered system will cover individual, corporate, partnership, and fiduciary returns for Flint. Taxpayers will navigate the new system by submitting both city and state filings in one consolidated process. The move is designed to simplify annual tax obligations and modernize the collection infrastructure for the city.
Timeline
Detroit began state-administered income tax processing in 2015.
Michigan Treasury takes over Flint income tax processing on January 1, 2027.
Pontiac is scheduled to begin a state-administered income tax partnership in 2028.
Money Landscape
The move to state-led tax processing follows a proven model that Detroit implemented in 2015 to improve efficiency. This shift aligns Flint with a broader trend of Michigan municipalities centralizing tax collection to strengthen local fiscal administration.
Starting in 2027, you will be able to manage your state and Flint city income tax filings in a single session, reducing the need for separate submissions. Consult with a qualified tax professional to ensure your records are prepared for the transition to the new state system.
The takeaway
Centralizing city and state tax filings is designed to simplify tax season for Flint households starting in 2027. Review your current filing habits and discuss the upcoming changes with a tax professional to ensure you are ready for the shift in the administrative process.
What happens next
Flint taxpayers should prepare for the state-administered filing system to launch on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on local tax obligations, visit the Taxes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
Live Poll
Do you support shifting local income tax processing to state-level administration in your community?
