Home Heating Credit Information & Free Tax Preparation

About the Home Heating Credit

Each year, the Home Heating Credit is available to Michigan residents through September 30. Over the past five five years, the average qualifying household received $209 in assistance, which is most often applied directly to residents’ utility bills—as is an additional automatic credit from select energy providers worth up to $20 monthly. Additionally, some recipients of food assistance benefits who have received a Home Heating Credit of greater than $20 may be eligible for an increase in their benefits. But don’t wait: it’s a use it or lose it credit.

In order to qualify, residents must be a homeowner, or a renter with a contracted lease, and meet income requirements. The best way to apply for the Home Heating Credit, and a number of other tax credits available to Michigan residents, is to utilize trusted free tax preparation services.

About the Free Tax Preparation

Free tax preparation is a community service designed to help Michigan residents improve their financial well-being. Residents who qualify for free tax preparation include those with disabilities, those with limited English-speaking ability, and those who earn less than $60,000 per year. Tax preparation providers are trained volunteers who are experts in taxes and have an accuracy rate, on average, higher than their for-profit colleagues.  

Residents can book an appointment at a free tax preparation site by locating their site or visiting MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org. Local human service nonprofits such as United Way 2-1-1 and Community Action Agencies can also refer residents to a free tax preparation site.