Here are some of the frequently asked questions we receive regarding filing individual forms. If you have anymore additional questions, please contact one of our customer service by calling 311 or 616-456-3000.
Effective July 1, 2010, the individual tax rate is 1.5% for residents and 0.75% for nonresidents. The corporation tax rate is 1.5%.
Prior to July 1, 2010, the individual tax rate is 1.3% for residents and 0.65% for nonresidents. The corporation tax rate is 1.3%.
Grand Rapids Income Tax returns are due on before April 30 or within four months after the end of your fiscal year.
You must make estimated income tax payments throughout the year if you are one of the following:
- An individual that expects to owe more than $100
- A partnership or corporation that expect to owe more than $250
Quarterly payments are due on or before the following dates:
- April 30
- June 30
- September 30
- January 31.
The first three payments are made during the tax year for which they're due. The last payment is made in the following year. For fiscal year taxpayers, payments are due the last day of the 4th, 6th, and 9th month during the year. They're also due at the end of the 13th month following the beginning of the fiscal year.
Request Estimated Payment Coupons
An "extension of time" request is a request for more time to file a return. An extension is not a request for additional time to pay tax due. Requests must be made in writing to the Grand Rapids Income Tax department.
We may extend the filing date of the return for up to 6 months. To request an extension of time to file your return, complete an extension form. When you submit your form, include payment for the unpaid portion of your annual liability.
Extensions filed without a tentative tax payment will not be processed by the Income Tax department.
If you don't owe any taxes and you're claiming a refund, don't file an extension.
Request for an Extension Form(PDF, 83KB)
If you file and pay your taxes late, your penalty is due at the rate of 1% per month. This penalty charge will go up to 25%. Interest is also due at the annual rate of 1% above the current prime rate. The interest rate is adjusted on January 1 and July 1 of each year. If the computed penalty and interest amount is less than $2.00, the minimum late charge is $2.00.
Mailing Address
Grand Rapids Income Tax Department
PO Box 347
Grand Rapids, MI 49501
Office Location:
City Hall, 3rd floor
300 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Email
grincometax@grcity.us
Business Hours
Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
Telephone Number
616-456-3415
If you have taxable income in a tax year, you need to file a City of Grand Rapids tax return if you're one of the following:
- A resident of the City of Grand Rapids
- A part year residents of Grand Rapids
- A nonresident who has taxable income from working within the City limits must file a return.
Married persons may file either a joint return or separate returns. The following examples may be used to help you determine if a return is required:
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2009, you must file a return if you’re one of the following:
- Single or married person filing separately with an income greater than $600
- Married and filing jointly with your spouse with an income greater than $1,200
- 65+ and single with income greater than $1,200
- 65+ and married filing jointly with an income greater than $2,400
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2004 but before January 1, 2010, you must file a return if you’re one of the following:
- Single person or married filing separately with an income greater than $750
- Married and filing jointly with your spouse with an income greater than $1,500
- 65+ and single with an income greater than $1500
- 65+ and filing jointly with your spouse with an income greater than $3000
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2000 but before January 1, 2005, you must file a return if you’re one of the following:
- Single person or married filing separately with an income greater than $1,000
- Married and filing jointly with your spouse with an income greater than $2,000
- 65+ and single with an income greater than $2,000
- 65+ and filing jointly with your spouse with an income greater than $4,000
If you do not meet the requirements for filing a return, but Grand Rapids tax was withheld or estimated tax payments were made, you must file a return to receive a refund.
You will file a Grand Rapids Part Year Individual Income Tax return (GR-1040PR). You will enter the residency period at the top of the page and enter the amounts taxable as a Resident, as a Non-Resident, and excluded amounts earned outside of the city while not a resident.
You may also file a form online.
You will file a Grand Rapids Individual Income Tax return (GR-1040 with a Schedule TC). Schedule TC is only used with a resident return. It allows the taxpayer to be taxed at two different rates. During the period of residency, all income is taxable from any source at the resident rate. As a nonresident only that income from sources within the city is taxed at the nonresident rate.
A resident is subject to tax on all items included in total federal income. Taxable income includes:
- Salaries, bonuses, wages, commissions, fees, vacation pay, profit sharing plan income and other compensation regardless of where earned
- Deferred compensation distributions
- Fair market value of merchandise or services received as compensation
- Net profit from operation of a business or profession or other activity regardless of where earned.
- Income from a partnership, S corporation, estate or trust, interest from bank accounts, credit unions, savings and loan associations and other income regardless of where earned
- Rental income, capital gains and dividends
- Lottery winnings won after December 30, 1988
A nonresident is subject to tax on all items included in total federal income, which are derived from or connected with Grand Rapids sources. Taxable income includes:
- Salaries, bonuses, wages, commissions, fees, vacation pay, profit sharing plans and other compensation for services rendered as an employee in Grand Rapids
- Fair market value of merchandise or services received as compensation
- Net profits from the operation of a business or profession or other activity conducted in Grand Rapids
- Net profits from rental of real and tangible property located in Grand Rapids
- Net profits from sale or exchange of personal property located in Grand Rapids
The following types of income are nontaxable to both residents and nonresidents
Nontaxable income includes:
- Gifts, inheritances, bequests, and distributions of principal from estates and trusts
- Proceeds from insurance, pensions, annuities and retirement benefits (including Social Security) even if taxable under the Internal Revenue Code
- Unemployment compensation, supplemental unemployment benefits, welfare relief payments and workers compensation
- Interest from U. S. obligations such as Savings Bonds and Treasury Notes, obligations of the states, or subordinate units of government of the states
- Compensation for service in the U. S. armed forces, including reserve components
The following items are nontaxable to nonresidents:
- Interest, dividends and royalty income
- Income from trusts and estates
- Qualified deferred compensation properly reported on a form 1099-R
The following expenses incurred as an employee are allowable subtractions. A part of the expenses is allowable to nonresidents.
- Travel, meals, and lodging while away from home
- Expenses as an outside salesperson that works away from their employer's place of business (doesn't include driver/salesperson whose primary duty is service and delivery)
- Transportation (but not transportation to and from work)
- Expenses reimbursed under an expense account or other arrangement with your employer, if the reimbursement was included in gross income
Other allowable deductions include:
- Alimony paid, to the extent deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. Nonresidents must prorate the deduction based upon the ratio of Grand Rapids income to total income. Child support is not deductible
- Individual Retirement Account deduction to the extent allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. Nonresidents must prorate the deduction based upon the ratio of each taxpayer's earned income in Grand Rapid to each taxpayer's earned income everywhere
- Renaissance Zone deduction
- Moving expenses into the area only
If you're unsure of where you live and/or work is in the city limits of Grand Rapids, click on the Street Directory Link below. If you know that your address is in Kent County, but it does not show up on this list, contact one of our customer service agents at 311.
Street Directory