Free Michigan 1353 Template Prepare Document Here

Free Michigan 1353 Template

The Michigan 1353 form, issued under the authority of Public Act 228 of 1975 by the Michigan Department of Treasury, is a comprehensive Nexus Questionnaire designed for businesses and individuals to detail their operational connections to the state. This form helps determine tax obligations by assessing aspects like physical presence, economic activity, and types of business operations within Michigan. To ensure compliance and understand your tax responsibilities in Michigan, it's crucial to fill out the Michigan 1353 form with accuracy. Click the button below to start filling out your form.

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The Michigan 1353 form, issued by the Michigan Department of Treasury under the authority of Public Act 228 of 1975, serves as a comprehensive Nexus Questionnaire crucial for businesses and individuals conducting or considering business activities within the state. This pivotal form gathers detailed information ranging from the legal name of the business or individual, through to the specific nature of the business's activities, to help determine tax obligations rooted in the utilization of Michigan’s resources or engagement within its market. Addressing inquiries such as whether the company has received a Letter of Inquiry Concerning Michigan Taxes, the form delves further into the extent of the company's physical and economic presence in Michigan, examining factors such as physical property, employee activities, sales, and solicitation practices within the state. Moreover, it requests disclosures related to affiliations that might create nexus, which is essentially a connection strong enough to mandate tax filing within Michigan. Compliance with this form is vital not only for meeting state tax regulations but also for negotiating the complexities of nexus that could impact a company's tax liability. As such, accurately completing the Michigan 1353 form represents a critical step for businesses in ensuring adherence to Michigan’s tax requirements and navigating the intricacies of state tax law effectively.

Sample - Michigan 1353 Form

Michigan Department of Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued under authority of Public Act 228 of 1975.

1353 (Rev. 11-19)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michigan Department of Treasury Nexus Questionnaire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legal Name of Business or Individual (hereafter referred to as Company)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), SSN or TR Number

 

 

DBA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

State

 

ZIP Code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. If your company received a Letter of Inquiry Concerning Michigan Taxes enter reference number:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Briefly describe your company’s business activity defined under MCL 206.603(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Describe how your company sells its product(s) and/or service(s) in the State of Michigan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Presence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check all that apply. Refer to Table 1 and 2 on Page 3 for specific examples of business activity.

 

 

 

 

 

4.

 

Employees, agents, representatives, independent contractors, subcontractors, brokers, or other affiliated persons (both Michigan

 

 

 

residents and nonresidents) conduct business activity at any time within Michigan on your behalf.

 

 

 

 

 

Indicate the number of days when someone has conducted business activities within Michigan on your behalf:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List the last four completed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tax year(s) (mm/dd/yyyy)

 

Yr (

)

 

 

Yr (

)

 

Yr (

)

 

Yr (

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check (X) the number of days

 

 

1 day

 

 

 

 

1 day

 

 

 

1 day

 

 

 

1 day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

during the tax year

 

 

2 or more days

 

 

 

 

2 or more days

 

 

 

2 or more days

 

 

 

2 or more days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Describe nature of activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

 

Property within Michigan. The company owns, rents, leases, maintains, or has the right to use tangible personal property, real property, or

 

 

 

 

 

an office or other establishment permanently or temporarily physically located in Michigan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter period(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

 

Affiliates within Michigan. The company entered into an agreement, directly or indirectly, with 1 or more residents under which the

 

 

 

 

 

resident, for a commission or other consideration, directly or indirectly, referred potential purchasers, whether by a link on an internet

 

 

 

 

 

 

website, in-person oral presentation, or otherwise, to the company. (Refer to RAB 2015-22).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter period(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.

 

The cumulative gross receipts from sales of tangible personal property to Michigan purchasers who were referred to the company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Michigan residents (through an agreement with the company) exceeded $10,000 in a 12-month period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter period(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b.

 

The total cumulative gross receipts from sales of tangible personal property to Michigan purchasers exceeded $50,000 in a 12-month

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter period(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Economic Presence

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check all that apply.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

 

Michigan (non-taxable and taxable) sales exceeded $100,000 or your company completed 200 or more (non-taxable and taxable)

 

 

 

 

 

separate transactions. (Refer to RAB 2018-16 for Michigan’s Sales and Use Tax Nexus Standards for Remote Sellers.)

 

 

 

 

 

Enter calendar year(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Your company or the Unitary Business Group (UBG):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.

 

Actively solicits sales in Michigan through the use of mail, telephone, or e-mail; advertising; or maintenance of an internet site in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

which sales transactions occur. (Refer to RAB 2013-9 for definition of “Actively Solicits”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter calendar year(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b.

 

Has gross receipts of $350,000 or more per year sourced to Michigan. (Refer to RAB 2014-5 for CIT Nexus Standards)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter calendar year(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

 

The company has an ownership or beneficial interest in a flow-through entity (directly or indirectly through 1 or more flow-through entities)

 

 

 

 

 

which has nexus with this state. (Refer to RAB 2014-5 or MCL 206.621(1))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter the calendar year(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOP If any of lines 4 through 9 are checked or the company is an Insurance Company with written premiums on property or risk located or residing in Michigan, continue completing this form. For all others, sign and mail to address on last page.

1353, Page 2

10.Check all that apply to your business activity:

Sale of property.

 

 

Indicate type of property:

Real

Tangible Personal

Rental Property (whether property is real, personal, tangible or intangible)

Intangible

Performance of Services

Financial Institution (Refer to MCL 206.651)

Insurance Company (Refer to MCL 206.607)

Protected Activities (PL 86-272)

11.Indicate which activities below (if any) the Company’s employees, agents, representatives, independent contractors, brokers or other affiliated persons (both Michigan residents and nonresidents) conducted within Michigan for the last four completed tax years.

Solicit sales to purchasers in this state whether sales are wholesale, retail, or otherwise. (Solicitation means any speech or conduct that explicitly or implicitly invites an order, and ancillary activities that neither explicitly or implicitly invites an order.)

Maintain samples that are not sold or provided for other consideration, attend trade shows where no sales are made/orders taken, provide highly

technical presentations to solicit a sale (not after a sale has been made)

Deliver goods using vehicles owned, leased, used or maintained by the company (Non-Transportation Companies)

Enter period(s):

Additional comments:

Unprotected Activities (PL 86-272)

12.Indicate which activities below (if any) the Company’s employees, agents, representatives, independent contractors, brokers or other affiliated persons (both Michigan residents and nonresidents) conducted within Michigan for the last four completed tax years.

Provide any services within Michigan, including but not limited to, consulting services, entertainment services, rental services, professional services, or transportation services provided as a transportation company (transport through, into, or from Michigan)

Maintain, occupy, own, lease or use an office, distribution facility, warehouse, or similar place of business in Michigan to facilitate the sale or

delivery of tangible personal property or maintain a market in Michigan

Provide customers with any kind of technical assistance or service including, engineering assistance, design service, quality control, product inspections, or similar services beyond the purpose of soliciting a sale

Sale of intangible property within Michigan

Assemble, install, or supervise installation at or after shipment or delivery

Make repairs or provide maintenance or service to property sold or to be sold to Michigan customers

Conduct training courses, seminars, or similar events for non-solicitation personnel, customers or potential customers Collect on current or delinquent accounts; investigate, handle, or assist in resolving customer complaints

Solicit, negotiate, or enter into franchising, licensing or similar agreements

Attend and/or participate at a trade show at which sales are solicited or made

Maintain a sample or display room in excess of 14 days or carry samples for sale, exchange or distribution in any manner for consideration or

other value

Consign stock of goods or other tangible personal property to any person in Michigan for sale

Pick up damaged goods using vehicles owned, leased, used, or maintained by the company

Enter period(s):

Additional Comments:

13. Do the Company’s employees approve or accept purchase orders or perform credit checks or authorize credit, while physically present in Michigan?

No

Yes, enter period(s):

14. The company has filed the following Michigan taxes:

 

 

 

 

None

 

Sales Tax

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Income Tax

 

Use Tax on Sales/Rentals

 

 

 

Individual or Composite Individual Income Tax, under SSN/FEIN:

Payroll Withholding

Use Tax on Purchases

1353, Page 3

15.What is the company’s State of Incorporation/Formation?

16.What is the company’s State of Domicile/Residence?

17.When was the company incorporated/formed?

18.When did the company’s business begin (if different than incorporation/formed)?

19.Organization Type (check one)

Individual

Limited Liability Company

S-Corporation

Other:

C-Corporation

Partnership

20.

Federal Tax Return Type (check one)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1040, Schedule C or E

 

1120S, S-Corporation

 

1065, Partnership

 

1120, Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 990-T

 

Other Form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None, related entity files. Check Return Type of related entity above and list FEIN:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.

If your company is a member of a UBG, enter the Designated Member FEIN. (Refer to RAB 2013-1 for definitions of a UBG

Designated Member.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1041, Fiduciary

Certification

I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information provided in this questionnaire and any attachments is, to the best of my knowledge, true,

correct and complete (If prepared by a person other than an officer, partner or owner of the business, this declaration is based on all information of

which you have knowledge).

Preparer’s Signature

Date

Print or Type Name and Title

Telephone Number

Mailing Address (if different than address on Page 1)

Email Address

Mail To:

For U.S. Mail (Including Certified/Registered)

Michigan Department of Treasury

Discovery and Tax Enforcement Division

PO Box 30140

Lansing MI 48909

Table 1

Business Activities Which Create Nexus

Inspect dealer inventories, review customer displays and shelving or replace stale product

Provide transportation services or provide shipping information and/or coordinate deliveries

Conduct seminars

Perform managerial or research activities, or lease employment or personnel services

Meet with customers to determine user satisfaction, or maintain display room or sample

Pick up or replace damaged, defective or returned property, or repossess property

Sell additional service contracts

Perform computer data processing

Provide private investigation, protection, patrol, watchman or armored car services

Perform other types of services than those listed

Secure deposits for sale

For Courier Delivery Service

Michigan Department of Treasury

Discovery and Tax Enforcement Division

7285 Parsons Drive

Dimondale MI 48821

Table 2

Real and Tangible Personal Property Held in Michigan

Which Create Nexus

Repair shop, parts department or warehouse

Office equipment or fixtures of any kind

Employment office or purchasing office

Mobile office, meeting place for directors, or in-home office (which is used as business address, location to receive callers, store inventory, or where office expenses are paid, reimbursed or supplied by your company)

Retail outlet

Motor store(s) (trucks with driver sales person)

Motor vehicles of any kind

Telephone answering service

Stock of goods (including consignment)

Tools and dies at suppliers

Real property or fixtures to real property of any kind

For a more complete explanation of Michigan’s Sales, Use, and Corporate Income Tax nexus standards, refer to Treasury’s Web site: www.michigan.gov/taxes.

File Details

Fact Detail
Governing Law Public Act 228 of 1975
Form Number 1353
Issuing Body Michigan Department of Treasury
Primary Purpose To assess business nexus within Michigan for tax purposes
Key Sections Physical Presence, Economic Presence, Activities of Employees/Agents, and Property Ownership or Use in Michigan
Specific References MCL 206.603(2), RAB 2015-22, RAB 2018-16, RAB 2013-9, RAB 2014-5, MCL 206.621(1)
Submission Requirement Required if business activities meet certain criteria indicating a nexus with Michigan

Michigan 1353 - Usage Steps

Filling out the Michigan 1353 form is a crucial step for businesses operating within Michigan to ensure compliance with state tax laws. This form helps determine your business's nexus, or connection, to the state, impacting your tax obligations. The process involves providing detailed information about your business's activities, physical presence, and economic engagement in Michigan. Accuracy and thoroughness in completing this form are essential to avoid potential legal issues and ensure your business meets all necessary tax requirements.

  1. Start by entering the legal name of your business or individual name in the designated space.
  2. Provide your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), Social Security Number (SSN), or TR Number.
  3. Fill in the DBA (Doing Business As) if applicable.
  4. Enter your street address, including city, state, and ZIP code.
  5. If you received a Letter of Inquiry Concerning Michigan Taxes, enter the reference number provided in the letter.
  6. Briefly describe your company's business activity as defined under MCL 206.603(2).
  7. Explain how your company sells its products and/or services in the State of Michigan.
  8. For the Physical Presence section, check all applicable boxes that describe your business activities in Michigan. Use Tables 1 and 2 on page 3 for specific examples and provide details such as number of days of activity within Michigan and the nature of these activities.
  9. In the Property within Michigan section, indicate if your company owns, rents, leases, or uses property in Michigan by entering the relevant period(s).
  10. Describe any affiliates within Michigan, referring to RAB 2015-22, and provide periods if your company’s sales via these affiliates met certain thresholds.
  11. Under Economic Presence, check all that apply regarding your sales and activities in Michigan and specify calendar years.
  12. Check all boxes that apply to your business activity in question 10, indicating the type of property sold or services provided.
  13. Detail your company’s activities within Michigan over the last four tax years, marking any that apply, and provide specific periods for these activities.
  14. Answer whether your company’s employees approve, accept purchase orders, perform credit checks, or authorize credit while physically present in Michigan, and enter the relevant period(s).
  15. Indicate which Michigan taxes your company has filed.
  16. Provide details about your company’s State of Incorporation/Formation, State of Domicile/Residence, the date of incorporation/formation, and when business commenced.
  17. Choose your company’s Organization Type and Federal Tax Return Type, checking the applicable box and entering any related FEIN for UBG members if applicable.
  18. Sign and date the form, including your name, title, and contact information. If someone other than an officer, partner, or owner prepares the form, ensure they complete this section based on the information they have.
  19. Mail the completed form to the address provided at the bottom of the form, using either U.S. Mail or a courier delivery service as appropriate.

After you submit the Michigan 1353 form, your business's information will be reviewed to determine the extent of your tax obligations to the state. It is crucial to keep a copy of the form and any correspondence for your records. Timely response to any follow-up inquiries from the Michigan Department of Treasury is critical to maintain compliance and avoid any potential legal complications. Remember, understanding and adhering to state tax laws can significantly impact your business's operations and financial health in Michigan.

Learn More on This Form

What is the Michigan 1353 form?

The Michigan 1353 form, issued under the authority of Public Act 228 of 1975, is a Nexus Questionnaire designed by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Its primary purpose is to gather information to determine if a business or individual has nexus in Michigan. Nexus, in this context, means a sufficient connection to the state which obligates the filing of tax returns and the payment of taxes.

Who needs to complete the Michigan 1353 form?

This form is intended for businesses or individuals receiving a Letter of Inquiry Concerning Michigan Taxes, or those who believe they may have a nexus with Michigan. The form requires detailed information about the company's business activities, physical and economic presence in the state, and relationships with affiliates within Michigan. It's crucial for any entity with business operations or sales activities in Michigan to consider completing this form.

What information is required to fill out the form?

To complete the Michigan 1353 form, the following information is essential:

  • Legal name of business or individual
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), SSN, or TR Number
  • DBA (Doing Business As), if applicable
  • Street address, city, state, ZIP code
  • Details about the company's business activity under MCL 206.603(2)
  • Information regarding the physical presence and economic presence in Michigan
  • Details of any affiliates within Michigan and their activities
  • A detailed description of the company's sales and business activities, including but not limited to sales of property, performance of services, and any protected or unprotected activities conducted within Michigan

What activities establish a nexus with Michigan?

Several types of activities can establish a nexus with Michigan, necessitating a business to fill out the 1353 form. These include:

  1. Having a physical presence through employees, agents, or property within the state.
  2. Generating sales within Michigan exceeding certain thresholds.
  3. Maintaining an office or conducting business activities like sales solicitation in the state.
  4. Entering into agreements with Michigan residents that refer potential purchasers to the business.

What are the deadlines for submitting the Michigan 1353 form?

Typically, the Michigan Department of Treasury will specify a due date in the Letter of Inquiry sent to businesses. If you're voluntarily filling out the form to disclose your nexus status, it's advisable to do so as soon as possible to ensure compliance with Michigan tax laws. Timely submission can also help avoid potential penalties and interest on unpaid taxes.

Where should the completed Michigan 1353 form be sent?

The completed form should be mailed to:

For U.S. Mail (Including Certified/Registered):
Michigan Department of Treasury
Discovery and Tax Enforcement Division
PO Box 30140
Lansing, MI 48909

For Courier Delivery Service:
Michigan Department of Treasury
Discovery and Tax Enforcement Division
7285 Parsons Drive
Dimondale, MI 48821

How can I get help filling out the Michigan 1353 form?

If you require assistance or have questions regarding the Michigan 1353 form, it's recommended to consult with a tax professional familiar with Michigan tax laws. Additionally, the Michigan Department of Treasury's website provides resources and contact information for further assistance.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Michigan 1353 form can be a complex process, with specific challenges that lead to common mistakes. Understanding these mistakes is critical to ensure the form is completed accurately, minimizing the risk of compliance issues. Here are eight mistakes that often occur:

  1. Not providing the complete legal name of the business or individual. It’s essential that the name matches official records to avoid confusion or misidentification.
  2. Inaccurately entering the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), Social Security Number (SSN), or Taxpayer Identification Number (TRN). This critical detail must be correct for identification and tax purposes.
  3. Omitting or incorrectly stating the physical presence details. Many inaccurately check the boxes related to physical presence in Michigan, especially in terms of employees or agents working within the state.
  4. Failing to accurately describe the business activity as defined under MCL 206.603(2). A clear and concise description ensures proper classification and compliance.
  5. Incorrectly reporting information about property within Michigan. Whether owned, rented, or leased, the specifics of any property must be accurately recorded.
  6. Misunderstanding the affiliation criteria. Affiliates within Michigan are often incorrectly reported, especially concerning agreements for commissions or referrals.
  7. Not adequately detailing the company’s economic presence in Michigan. This includes misinterpreting sales thresholds or transaction counts for establishing nexus.
  8. Skipping sections that require attention or failing to sign the document. Every applicable part of the form needs to be completed, and the omission of a signature can invalidate the entire submission.

A closer look into these areas before submission can significantly decrease errors. Additionally, it’s advantageous to:

  • Review the form thoroughly, cross-referencing with official documents to ensure all provided information is accurate and current.
  • Understand the definitions and requirements specified by Michigan law, particularly those concerning nexus, to accurately determine the company's obligations.
  • Seek clarification or assistance if any part of the form or its instructions are unclear, minimizing the risk of errors due to misunderstanding.

Ensuring each part of the Michigan 1353 form is filled out accurately is not just about compliance; it’s about affirming the business’s commitment to responsible and transparent operations within Michigan. A careful approach to this documentation can prevent complications with tax liabilities and legal challenges that could arise from inaccuracies or omissions.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with the complexity and nuances of Michigan tax laws, especially concerning the nexus with the state as outlined by the Michigan 1353 form, businesses and individuals may need to gather and submit additional forms and documents. These supplementary materials play a pivotal role in providing a comprehensive view of one’s tax obligations and compliance status in Michigan. Here’s a look at other documents that are often used along with the Michigan 1353 form.

  1. Michigan Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption (Form 3372): This document is necessary for businesses that purchase goods for resale, lease, or rental without paying sales tax at the point of purchase.
  2. Articles of Incorporation/Formation: These documents provide the legal basis for the business entity in its state of incorporation or formation, which is crucial for establishing nexus and tax liability.
  3. Annual Reports for Corporations: Filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, these reports give updates on the business’s activities, assets in Michigan, and changes in corporate structure that could affect tax obligations.
  4. Employee Withholding Tax Forms: Employers must submit these forms to detail the state income tax withheld from employees’ wages, highlighting the business’s payroll footprint in Michigan.
  5. Michigan Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Return (Form 4891): This form is critical for any corporation doing business in Michigan, as it details the income tax due to the state.
  6. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Filings: These filings can indicate a business’s operations in Michigan, especially for those involved in lending, leasing, or selling goods under secured transactions.
  7. Rental/Lease Agreements: For businesses that rent or lease property in Michigan, these agreements document the physical presence that could establish nexus.
  8. Michigan Sales Tax License and Annual Returns: Businesses selling goods or offering taxable services in Michigan must obtain a sales tax license and file annual sales tax returns, evidencing their activities within the state.
  9. Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Employer Account Registration and Quarterly Wage/Tax Reports: These forms establish an employer’s responsibility for unemployment insurance contributions in Michigan and are indicative of an employer-employee relationship within the state.
  10. Out-of-State Seller’s Use Tax Return (Form 5081): For remote sellers meeting the threshold for economic presence, this return reports use tax owed on sales into Michigan.

Collectively, these documents not only support the information provided on the Michigan 1353 form but also paint a detailed picture of a business’s operations and its connection to Michigan. Whether you’re establishing a new enterprise or maintaining an existing one, understanding your nexus status and tax obligations in Michigan is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional or legal advisor to navigate these requirements effectively.

Similar forms

The Michigan 1353 form is similar to other tax-related documents that are used in various jurisdictions to determine a business's tax obligations based on its activities within a specific area. These forms generally gather information about the entity's presence, sales activities, and relationships that might establish a tax nexus, obliging the company to report and pay taxes in that jurisdiction.

One similar document is the California Form 1031, also known as the "Questionnaire for Determining Whether a Sales or Use Tax Permit Is Required." Much like the Michigan 1353 form, the California 1031 form is designed to ascertain whether a business's activities in the state warrant the collection of sales or use tax. Both documents request details on physical presence, such as property ownership, employee activities, and sales solicitation efforts within the state. Additionally, they inquire about the volume of sales to determine if the entity surpasses certain thresholds that mandate tax collection and remittance.

Another document with similarities is the New York ST-809 form, which is used by vendors to report and pay sales tax on taxable sales. While this form is more about the remittance of already assessed taxes rather than determining nexus, it shares the commonality of requiring detailed information on the nature of business activities conducted within the jurisdiction. The ST-809 requires vendors to list their sales, including the amount of sales tax collected, which reflects the necessity of understanding a company's in-state activities mirrored in the Michigan 1353 form's request for information on sales activities and physical presence to establish tax responsibilities.

Furthermore, the Texas Franchise Tax Public Information Report (Form 05-102) bears resemblance to Michigan's Nexus Questionnaire in its purpose of collecting data on a business's operations within the state to ascertain its tax obligations. Both forms delve into the structures of business presence, such as property ownership, office locations, and the conduct of business activities that might trigger a tax nexus. The emphasis on detailing the presence of employees or representatives and the nature of sales activities in the state underscores the focused approach of both forms in evaluating the extent of a business's involvement in the state's economic landscape.

Dos and Don'ts

When preparing the Michigan 1353 form, specific steps can ensure that the information you provide is accurate and compliant with state requirements. Here is a guide on what you should and shouldn't do:

Things You Should Do
  1. Double-check the legal name of the business or individual to ensure it matches with federal and state records.

  2. Provide accurate Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), Social Security Number (SSN), or TR Number as applicable.

  3. Clearly describe your company’s business activities as defined under MCL 206.603(2) to avoid any ambiguity.

  4. For questions regarding physical presence, list all relevant activities, ensuring you refer to examples provided in Table 1 and 2 for guidance.

  5. Accurately indicate periods and numbers where requested, especially in sections dealing with property within Michigan, affiliates, and sales activities.

  6. Understand the criteria for economic presence to accurately report Michigan sales, solicitation efforts, and gross receipts, referencing RAB documents as necessary.

  7. Provide detailed information on unprotected activities that could establish nexus with the state, including the type of property sold and services performed.

  8. Be thorough when indicating the company’s affiliations with units or members within a Unitary Business Group (UBG).

  9. Ensure all tax information filed with Michigan is current and correct, including types of taxes filed and periods of activity.

  10. Sign and date the questionnaire, certifying the accuracy of the information provided, and mail it to the correct address provided by the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Things You Shouldn't Do
  • Avoid leaving any sections blank that apply to your company’s activities in Michigan; unanswered questions could result in inaccurate nexus determination.

  • Do not guess on numbers or periods; verify all information before submission to prevent issues with your filing.

  • Resist the temptation to provide vague descriptions of business activities; specificity is crucial for accurate nexus evaluation.

  • Don’t overlook the “Additional Comments” sections; use these areas to clarify any non-standard business operations or anomalies.

  • Avoid submitting the form without reviewing it for errors or inconsistencies; every detail matters.

  • Do not ignore the importance of RAB (Revenue Administrative Bulletins) documents; these provide essential guidance on nexus standards and definitions.

  • Don’t guess on whether you meet the criteria for economic presence; review the thresholds carefully.

  • Avoid misunderstanding the use of the term “affiliates” within Michigan; ensure you accurately report any relationships that involve Michigan residents.

  • Do not neglect to indicate if your company falls under specific categories such as Insurance Company, as this requires continued completion of the form.

  • Avoid mailing the form to the incorrect address; double-check the recipient address, especially distinguishing between U.S. Mail and Courier Delivery Service options.

Misconceptions

  • It's a common misconception that the Michigan 1351 form must be filed by all businesses operating within the state. However, this form is specifically designed for businesses to determine their nexus with Michigan, which relates to their tax obligations. Not every business will need to complete this form, only those potentially having a tax nexus with Michigan.

  • Another misunderstanding is that the form is only concerned with physical presence, like owning or leasing property in Michigan. While physical presence is a significant factor, the form also covers other situations that might create a tax nexus, such as sales and marketing activities, affiliations, and the presence of employees or agents acting on the company’s behalf within the state.

  • Many believe that completing the Michigan 1353 form automatically results in tax liability. This is not accurate. The purpose of the form is to help both the business and the Michigan Department of Treasury assess if a tax nexus exists. Just because a company completes this form doesn't mean they owe taxes; it's a step in determining tax responsibilities.

  • Some business owners think the form is only for large companies. In reality, any business, regardless of its size, that engages in activities possibly creating a nexus with Michigan should complete the form. This includes small businesses and sole proprietors.

  • There's a misconception that the information required is limited to current year activities. The form actually requires information for the last four completed tax years. This comprehensive history helps determine the longevity and consistency of a business's nexus with Michigan.

  • Others falsely believe that only companies with a physical storefront or office in Michigan need to worry about this form. The truth is, the form covers a wide range of activities beyond physical presence, including online sales, consulting services, and other forms of remote business conducted within the state.

  • Finally, there's a misunderstanding that the form is overly complex and difficult to complete. While it does require detailed information, the form is structured to guide businesses through the process of identifying their nexus with Michigan clearly and methodically. Moreover, the Michigan Department of Treasury provides additional resources and guidance for those who need assistance.

Key takeaways

The Michigan 1353 form is pivotal for companies to declare their business nexus and activities within the state. Here are key takeaways regarding its completion and use:

  • The form must be completed by businesses that have a physical presence, conduct sales, or perform services in Michigan to determine their tax obligations under Public Act 228 of 1975.
  • Items 1 through 9 on the form help identify the nature of a business's activities in Michigan, including physical presence, sales, and economic presence, which are critical for understanding tax nexus and potential liabilities.
  • Businesses need to disclose details such as types of property owned or leased, and the nature of services provided within the state, as seen in sections 4 through 12. This information helps clarify the extent of taxable activities and interactions in Michigan.
  • Finally, the 1353 form requires a certification that the information provided is accurate to the best of the filer's knowledge, underscoring the importance of thorough and truthful completion to comply with state tax laws.

Upon completion, the form should be mailed to the Michigan Department of Treasury, ensuring that companies operating within Michigan adhere to state tax regulations. It serves as a comprehensive tool for both the business and the state to determine tax obligations based on the extent of the company’s activities in Michigan.

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