STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Taxpayers across Michigan say they have been waiting weeks — and in some cases, months — for their state tax refunds, with little explanation from the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Dozens of viewers reached out to 7 News Detroit through emails, social media posts and Facebook groups created specifically for people searching for answers. I took their concerns directly to state officials to find out what is causing the delays.
Watch Peter Maxwell's video report below:
Zhane Wallace, a mother of three, filed her state tax return on Jan. 26 and was accepted and approved. But she soon noticed her online account had been placed under manual review.
"There's no explanation. There's nothing. It's just wait," Wallace said.
Wallace said she called the state after waiting about two weeks with no updates on her refund status.
"I waited about two weeks and I called and asked if any information had been received because there was no update or anything. The person I spoke to on the phone said yeah, I see it right here. So I was just kind of like can we process it and they said oh, that's not how that works, you have to wait and we have 10 weeks, what I was told," Wallace said.
Since then, the estimated wait time has grown even longer.
"Now I am seeing 12 to 16 weeks," Wallace said.
Wallace said she had been counting on the refund to cover bills and help with an upcoming move.
"You plan out things financially — I can catch up on this, you make a pay date for that because you are supposed to receive it that day. There's none of that this year," Wallace said.
Angela Valetti filed her return on Jan. 18 and was accepted on Jan. 27. Her refund has been pending manual review for four weeks with no movement. When she called the state, she was told everyone is waiting four to eight weeks for a refund.
"There's no reason to be waiting four to eight weeks for a refund from the state of Michigan," Valetti said.
Valetti said the delays are having a widespread impact.
"It's affecting everybody," Valetti said.
"I need my little refund. It's not much, but it's enough to pay some bills," Valetti said.
In a statement, the Michigan Department of Treasury said it has received over 1.6 million returns — a 45% increase compared to the same time last year. The department said refund timelines will vary, adding:
"The refund timelines taxpayers experienced will vary. Many of the returns filed early this year are of higher complexity, which has translated to slower average turnaround times."
Both Wallace and Valetti said they want more transparency from the state.
"There could be better communication," Valetti said.
"I am very frustrated. I am in the middle of a move. I have three children. I work but, you know, tax refunds are bigger than a work check," Wallace said.
The full statement from the Michigan Department of Treasury is below:
"The Michigan Department of Treasury started accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026 – the same day IRS started accepting federal returns. Since opening day, Treasury has received over 1.6 million returns, which is more than a 45% increase compared to the same time last year.
"Additionally, Treasury recently modernized its individual income tax system. Procedures for processing in this new system have been updated, and we are taking additional measures to ensure every tax return is processed accurately.
"Since tax returns vary in complexity, some are processed quickly while others require a more detailed review. Returns that include multiple refundable credits, such as the Home Heating Credit, may take additional time to complete. As a result, the refund timelines taxpayers experienced will vary. Many of the returns filed early this year are of higher complexity, which has translated to slower average turnaround times.
"Our goal is to provide the highest level of service. Please be aware that call volumes have increased significantly due to the surge in tax returns filed. Refund status can be tracked efficiently through Michigan Treasury eServicesor our automated phone system. Repeated calls to the contact center may slow down overall processing.
"We appreciate taxpayers’ patience as we work diligently to process the high volume of returns and issue refunds. As of today, we have systematically processed over 1.1 million returns and refunded approximately $565 million. Most taxpayers can expect their refund within our typical timeline of 4-6 weeks of receiving confirmation that their return has been accepted.
"The timing of refunds of higher complexity, such as those including multiple credits, or those with errors, will depend on when additional information is submitted by the taxpayer, and volume of complex returns received. Taxpayers should take their time when preparing their returns to reduce errors. We recommend visiting michigan.gov/wheresmyrefund for additional information."
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