Why Your Michigan Tax Refund Might Take Longer Than Usual This Year
If your Michigan tax refund hasn’t arrived, you’re not alone. Here’s what "pending manual review" means and how to verify your identity if needed.
The Michigan Department of Treasury has been processing a significant number of returns early this tax season. State data show that more than 1.6 million Michigan returns have been filed, and more than 1.1 million of those have already been processed as of February 26.
That's about 45% more than this time last year, and the Wolverine State has reportedly issued roughly $565 million in refunds so far.
While that all sounds good, the high return volume could mean that some tax refunds move more slowly than expected. Michigan also uses a modernized tax processing system with enhanced accuracy checks, which might delay return processing for some Michiganders.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
So, if you're wondering about the status of your refund, here's more to know.
Michigan tax refund status: 'Pending manual review'
The Michigan Treasury typically estimates that most refunds will be issued within 4 to 6 weeks after a return is accepted. But this year, numerous taxpayers report seeing longer timelines.
On social platforms, some Michiganders have reported being stuck in “manual review” or “pending review” for weeks, with extended timelines creating frustration and uncertainty.
Some of the delays involve returns that include multiple credits (like the Homestead Property Tax Credit) or require additional checks and take longer to process.
"Those state tax returns that claim multiple credits or [require] additional verification take a little bit more time to process. We are working to ensure taxpayers who file a return receive their refund as fast as practical," Deputy State Treasurer Kavita Kale stated in a release.
Additionally, so-called "manual tax reviews" could extend the time it takes to complete a Michigan return. These reviews happen when a return doesn’t clear all of the state’s automatic checks.
The process seems to merely indicate that extra time is needed to ensure your return is correct before a refund is released.
There are a few common reasons a return might be flagged for review:
- Mismatched or missing information (e.g., names, Social Security numbers, addresses)
- Claimed credits that trigger additional verification
- Income discrepancies compared with employer reports
- Identity verification checks to prevent fraud
Some taxpayers took to social media to say that their refund status was stuck in manual review for several weeks.
Keep in mind that mailing a return or not choosing direct deposit can also delay a refund.
Michigan Identity Verification letter?
You might receive a letter from the Michigan Treasury asking you to verify your identity after filing. State officials have stated that this is a security step to protect you from tax-related identity theft and ensure refunds go to the correct person.
What to know:
- Follow the instructions in the letter promptly.
- The Treasury encourages using the Michigan Treasury eServices portal to complete identity verification.
- You don’t need an account, according to information on the state's website.
"the easiest way to verify your identity is through the new Michigan Treasury eServices web platform. Use the “Verify My Identity” link on the portal’s landing page to start the process."
Still, it's important to note that your refund won’t proceed until this verification step is complete. But beware of scams: the Michigan Attorney General has previously warned of letters that appear official but are designed to steal your personal information.
What to do if your Michigan tax refund is delayed
Here are some things to do to help keep track of your refund status.
- Check your refund status online at Michigan Treasury eServices.
- Read your mail carefully — the state often sends important notices by mail.
- Respond promptly to legitimate identity verification or information requests from the Michigan Treasury Department.
Tax Refunds: Bottom Line
Some Michigan taxpayers are reportedly experiencing slow refund processing this tax season. These delays come amid a high volume of tax filings in the state, new processing systems, and additional review steps to ensure refund accuracy and security.
If your refund is still pending after several weeks, double-check the details of your return. However, if you find that you have exceeded the expected processing time and have not received any updates, or cannot track the status of your return online, it might be worth, as a last resort, contacting the state Treasury directly for guidance.
Meanwhile, on the federal side of things, tax refunds so far this filing season are running nearly 10% higher than last year. To learn more, see our report: House GOP Predicts Bigger Tax Refunds in 2026.
Read More
