JACKSON, Mich. – Consumers Energy is helping Michigan residents stay warm this winter, offering a reminder that help with heating bills may be available through the Michigan Home Heating Credit and federal Earned Income Credit.
“We want to help Michigan residents manage their winter heating bills, and the Home Heating Credit is just one example of that,” said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer operations and quality. “Tax season is an ideal time to apply for this credit since free preparation assistance is available for income-qualified households throughout much of the state.”
The Home Heating Credit can be used for all types of primary heating fuel, including natural gas, propane and purchased firewood. Renters may also qualify.
If households do not make enough money to file income taxes, they can still apply for the credit. Even so, each year a significant share of home heating credits go unclaimed by income-eligible households. The filing deadline is Sept. 30, 2015.
The credit amount is based on household income and size. Last year’s average credit for Consumers Energy customers was $140. Home Heating Credit forms (MI-1040CR-
7) are available through the following: www.michigan.gov/taxes; most public libraries; Secretary of State branch offices; Department of Human Services branch offices; Consumers Energy’s Assistance website: www.consumersenergy.com/assistance; or by calling Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050.
Home Heating Credit Income 2014 Tax Year Guidelines
# of exemptions max. income
1 $12,842
2 $17,329
3 $21,786
4 $26,243
5 $30,728
6 $35,186