The Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury) has provided guidance on the MBT Quarterly Return due dates for fiscal year taxpayers filing their first short period MBT return.

If estimated tax liability for the year is over $800.00 a taxpayer must file estimated quarterly returns and payments. MCL 208.1501(1). Quarterly returns for fiscal year taxpayers are due the 15th day of the first month after each quarter. MCL 208.1501(2). Any quarter less than 3 months is due on the 15th day of the month immediately following the final month of the quarter. In the case of a short taxable year, no estimated tax payment is required if the short taxable year is a period of less than four full calendar months; or the estimated tax liability for the year is $800.00 or less. See IRS Reg. 1.6655-5(b); MCL 208.1501(1). [Treasury FAQ A25]

Treasury has made the transition to the MBT easier by allowing SBT overpayments to be credited to the first MBT return.

At the option of the taxpayer, any SBT overpayments from the final return may be either refunded or carried forward and applied to the initial MBT return. For fiscal years filers, the final SBT return must be made on a short year return filed for the period ending on December 31, 2007. The due date of the final SBT short year return will be April 30, 2008. If payment of the estimated tax due is made on or before this due date with an extension request, an extension of time to file the short year return will automatically be granted until the standard fiscal year due date. [Treasury FAQ A16]

Quarterly Return payments can be made on either the Form 4548, Michigan Business Tax Quarterly Return, or Form 160, Combined Return for Michigan Taxes.

For a calendar year taxpayer, MBT quarterly returns are due the 15th day of April, July, October and January. For fiscal year filers, quarterly returns are due the 15th day of the first month after each quarter. MBT payments may be made with either of the following returns:

· Form 4548, Michigan Business Tax Quarterly Return, or

· Form 160, Combined Return for Michigan Taxes.

If filing monthly using Form 160, Combined Return for Michigan Taxes, and not making remittances by electronic funds transfer, monthly payments may be filed on the 20th day of the month.  For example, a calendar year taxpayer may file monthly MBT estimates using Form 160 on February 20th, March 20th and on April 20th rather than April 15 for the first quarter.  However, for taxpayers required to make remittances by electronic funds transfer or otherwise not using Form 160, MBT estimates remain due on the 15th day of the month following the final month of the quarter.  Regardless of the method chosen, the estimated MBT for the quarter must also reasonably approximate the liability for the quarter. [Treasury FAQ A15]

An estimated return is not required for a fiscal year filer with a short taxable year of less than four calendar months under the MBT. This is similar to the treatment under IRS regulation 1.6655-5. [Treasury FAQ A17]