Michigan taxpayers who collected unemployment benefits are encouraged to file their income tax returns sooner rather than later.

The federal American Rescue Plan Act excludes unemployment benefits up to $10,200 from income for tax year 2020, meaning taxpayers who may have anticipated owing taxes may now be entitled to a refund.

Taxpayers who collected unemployment benefits and have already filed their tax year 2020 federal and state income tax returns should not file an amended state or federal return.

All individual income tax returns must be received before midnight on May 17, 2021.