How e-file a Michigan return while suppressing the federal return

Suppress the federal e-filing by going to the federal EF screen and checking the box Do NOT send Federal.

Select Michigan forms for stand-alone transmission by going to the federal EF screen and under State e-File Override section, use the drop list to select MI - Michigan 1040 and all applicable CR forms.

If you e-file your Federal and Michigan returns, Michigan will accept the Federal signature (Form 8879). If you are not able to e-file your Federal and Michigan returns at the same time, you can e-file your Michigan return separately (stand-alone e-file). If you choose to stand-alone e-file, then the Electronic Signature Alternative (ESA, on the EF1 screen) or paper MI-8453 must be used to sign your return. MI stand-alone returns that are filed by a preparer with or without a Michigan income tax return (MI-1040) may be authorized for e-filing by using one of the following options: 

• the taxpayer's "shared secrets"

• the MI-8453

Shared Secrets

"Shared secrets" are taxpayer data used to authorize e-filing for a MI stand-alone e-filing. "Shared secrets" consist of the Social Security number, previous year's adjusted gross income (AGI) or household income (HHI), and the previous year's tax due or refund amount, for both primary and secondary taxpayers. The social security number will flow from the federal return, but the other data must be keyed on the MI EF1. "Shared secrets" are effectively a stand-alone substitute for the federal PIN.

Form MI-8453

If the EF1 screen is not completed (above), a MI stand-alone filing that is ready to transmit will generate an MI-8453, which you should print, sign, and retain for 6 years.

The Michigan Treasury does not require Form MI-8453, Michigan Individual Income Tax Declaration for Electronic Filing, to be mailed. It is recommended that all preparers keep the MI-8453 for the statutory period (6 years). If taxpayers e-file their returns without using a preparer, they may want to keep the MI-8453 with the copy of their tax return for the statutory period.