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The Michigan 1028 form, officially known as the Annual Property Report, plays a crucial role for companies operating within the state, particularly railroads. This form is mandated under Michigan Public Act 282 of 1905, and its timely filing is essential for compliance with state tax regulations. Companies must be aware of the deadlines: those with annual gross receipts exceeding $1,000,000 must submit their reports by March 31, while those with lower gross receipts have a slightly earlier deadline of March 15. Failure to file on time can result in significant penalties, accumulating at $500 per day. The form requires detailed information about the company, including its name, address, and authorized contact person. It also includes schedules that cover various aspects of the company’s operations, such as the total cost of rolling stock, investment in road property, and railcar mileage. Additionally, companies must disclose any changes in ownership or significant financial activities from the previous year. This report not only helps the state assess property values but also ensures that companies remain accountable for their operations within Michigan. Understanding the nuances of the Michigan 1028 form is vital for compliance and effective financial planning.

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1028 (Rev. 11-11)

State of Michigan

State Tax Commission

ANNUAL PROPERTY REPORT

For Year Ended December 31, 2011

State Assessed Railroads

This report is issued under Michigan Public Act 282 of 1905, as amended. Filing of this report is mandatory. There can be only one authorized contact person for each company. Companies with annual gross receipts greater than $1,000,000 are required to file this report on or before March 31. Companies with annual gross receipts equal to or less than $1,000,000 are required to file this report on or before March 15. A company failing to file a complete report by the applicable due date shall be subject to a fine of $500 per day.

Instructions for completion and filing options are available on pages 9-12 of this report.

Company Name

 

 

Federal Tax ID Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company Address to which the tax bill should be sent

City

State

ZIP Code

 

 

 

 

 

Company Authorized Contact Person (to whom correspondence concerning this report should be addressed)

Company Web site

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Address

 

City

State

ZIP Code

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Telephone Number

Contact Fax Number

 

Contact E-mail Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notary

Printed name of President, Secretary, Superintendent or Chief Officer under whose direction this report was prepared.

By my signature below, I certify that the information (including any attachments) in this report is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature ________________________________________________Title __________________________________Date _________________________

Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____________________________ day of _____________________________________, _______________.

Signature of Notary Public

My Commission Expires

Printed Name of Notary Public

Acting in the County of

Has your company experienced any name changes, acquisitions, or sales during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report.

YES

If yes, provide the following information:

NO

Description of Change (merger, acquisition, sale)

Date of Change

Under what name did the taxpayer file last year?

Name of Company Sold

1

Schedule 1, Statement of Total Cost of Rolling Stock Owned or Leased by Year of Acquisition (Includes Locomotives, Freight Cars, Passenger Cars, Highway and Work Equipment)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRUE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH

 

No. of

COSTS

 

 

 

REPORTABLE

 

VALUE

YEAR OF

Units

REPORTED

LOSSES

ADDITIONS

 

COSTS

 

(office

ACQUISITION

Reported

PRIOR

(office use

(office use

NO. OF

CURRENT

 

use

 

Prior Year

YEAR

only)

only)

UNITS

YEAR

MULTIPLIER

only)

 

 

(office use)

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.8900

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.7600

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6700

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6000

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.5400

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4900

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4500

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4200

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3800

 

2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3600

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3300

 

2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.3100

 

1999

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2900

 

1998

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2800

 

Prior

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2300

 

TOTALS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule 1 Total True Cash Value

Schedule 2, Investment in Road Property Used in Transportation Service with Additions and Retirements for the Year (Michigan Only)

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Column E

Column F

Column G

Column H

Previous

Original Cost

Accumulated

Expenditures for

Depreciation

Plant Balance

Accumulated

Net Book Value

Year

of

Depreciation of

Additions During

of New Additions

at Year End

Depreciation

= F - G

Plant Balance

Retirements

Retirements at

the Calendar

During the

= A - B + D

at Year End

 

from last

Made During

Beginning of

Year

Calendar Year

 

 

 

Year’s

Calendar

Calendar Year

 

 

 

 

 

Column F

Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your prior year plant ending balance is not equivalent to the amount in Column A that was carried forward from last year’s report, please indicate the revised amount and provide an explanation.

Revised Column A: _________

Explanation:

_______

_

_

 

 

 

plus

Construction in Progress (CIP)

x .50 = Adjusted CIP

 

_________

 

 

(incurred cost to date)

equals

_________

Schedule 2 True Cash Value

_________

Note: Inventory is exempt from assessment. Inventory does not include personal property under lease or principally intended for lease or rental (operating), rather than sale. Property allowed a cost recovery allowance or depreciation under the Internal Revenue Code is not inventory. Motor vehicles registered with the Michigan Secretary of State on Tax Day (December 31st) are exempt. Non-registered motor vehicles and equipment attached to motor vehicles which is not used while the vehicle travels on the highway are assessable. Computer software, if the purchase was evidenced by a separate invoice amount and if the software is commonly sold separately, is exempt.

2

Schedule 3

A. Interest Paid on Debt From Railway Operations (National)

 

Last Four Year Results as Previously Reported

 

 

Balance at Close of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calendar Year

 

 

Five Year Average

 

 

 

 

(office use only)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(December 31st)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(office use only)

 

 

year - 4

 

year - 3

year - 2

year - 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-0-

 

-0-

-0-

-0-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Total Net Operating from Railway Operations (National)

Last Four Year Results as Previously Reported

(office use only)

year - 4

year - 3

year - 2

year - 1

 

 

 

 

Balance at Close of

Calendar Year

(December 31st)

Five Year Average

(office use only)

Schedule 4, Statement of Allocation Factors

Note: "National" includes all North American Activity (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), "Michigan" only includes those items attributable to the State of Michigan.

 

Ar e y ou r op e r a t ion s e n t ir e ly w it h in t h e St a t e of M ich ig a n ?

 

 

 

Yes

_ _ _

 

No

_ _ _

 

 

 

 

 

I f Yes, y ou do not need t o pr ov ide t he follow ing in for m at ion .

 

 

 

I f No, please pr ov ide t he follow in g in for m at ion below ( Car Miles an d Rev en u es) .

 

 

Car Miles

 

 

 

 

National

Michigan

 

1.

Freight Car Miles (Loaded and Empty)

 

 

 

 

2.

All Other Car Miles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Total Car Miles (1+2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Percentage Attributable to Michigan

 

 

 

 

Revenues (please enter full dollar amounts)

National

Michigan

 

1.

Freight Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

All Other Revenue from Operation

 

 

 

 

3.

Total Operating Revenue (1+2)

 

 

 

 

4.

Percentage Attributable to Michigan

 

 

 

Schedule 5, Sales and Transfers of Car Marks

Did any sales or transfers of car marks occur during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report?

Yes

____

No

____

If Yes, describe any sales or transfers that occurred.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

3

Schedule 6, Statement of Railcar Mileage Traveled Over Track Operated by your Company (itemize by Car Mark)

Car Mark

Mileage

Car Mark

Mileage

Car Mark

Mileage

Schedule 7, Real Property

Have there been any changes (additions or losses) to your Real Property in the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory filing date of this report?

Yes ____

No ____

If yes, please describe losses and/or additions in box below:

4

NOTE

All summary calculations will be completed AFTER the Assessment and Certification Division has reviewed and processed the information contained in this Annual Property Report. Once all processing is complete, you may view the summary calculations (worksheets) by requesting a personal identification number (PIN) and accessing your company's secure, online account. For additional information on how to request a PIN to access your account, please refer to the "How to file this report" section of the instructions.

Tentative values will be posted on or about May 15, and final values will be posted on or about June 15. Each state assessed company will receive a final tax bill by mail and any taxes due are payable on July 1.

5

2012

Application for Tax Credit for Maintenance and Improvement of Rights of Way

Section 13 of PA 282 of 1905, as amended allows credit for eligible expenses incurred in the State of Michigan by railroad companies for maintenance or improvement of rights of way, including those items, except depreciation, in the official maintenance-of-way and capital track accounts of the railroad company in this state during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report, but not to exceed the total liability for the tax under this act.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the tax credit for maintenance and improvement of rights of way under MCL 207.13(2), the railroad companies must fulfill the statutory requirements detailed in Section 13 of PA 282 of 1905 (MCL 207.13(3)). In addition to providing the requested summary information on this application for credit, each company must complete and file [3 copies of] the report described in Section 13 with the State Tax Commission that includes, but is not limited to, detailed information of the nature and location of expenses. A summary of the eligibility and reporting requirements are listed in the attached instructions on pages 11-13.

Eligible and Non-Eligible Expenses

Examples of Eligible and Non-Eligible Expenses are listed in the attached instructions on pages 11-13.

Maximum Credit Available

The maintenance of way expense credits are not refundable or deferrable. Expenses in excess of a company's property tax liability are not eligible for credit against prior or subsequent years' liability.

***NOTE*** Filing of this credit application does not relieve the company of the statutory requirement of filing [3 copies] of the detailed expense report described in Section 13(3). You are still required to provide that to the State Tax Commission at the following address:

 

 

Mailing Address:

For Overnight Package Delivery:

Michigan Department of Treasury

Michigan Department of Treasury

Michigan State Tax Commission

Michigan State Tax Commission

P O Box 30471

Austin Building

Lansing, MI 48909-7971

430 W. Allegan Street

 

Lansing, MI 48922

 

 

Company Name

Eligibilty

Has your company incurred eligible expenses, and submitted three (3) copies of the required expense report as described above?

Yes ___

No ___

If Yes, please enter total eligible expenses below.

If No, you are NOT ELIGIBLE for credit. DO NOT SUBMIT EXPENSES.

Total Eligible Expenses for Maintenance and Improvement of Rights of Way in Michigan which you have reported in the above described report.

$

___________________________

6

2012

Application for Tax Credit for Maintenance and Improvement

of Qualified Rolling Stock in Michigan

Section 13a of Public Act 282 of 1905, as amended, allows a credit for eligible expenses incurred in the State of Michigan by railroad and car companies for maintenance or improvement of eligible companies' qualified rolling stock.

Eligible Company is defined as:

Railroad companies, union station and depot companies, sleeping car companies, express companies, car loaning companies, stock car companies, refrigerator car companies, fast freight line companies, and all other companies owning, leasing, running, or operating any freight, stock, refrigerator, or any other cars not the exclusive property of a railroad company paying taxes upon its rolling stock under this act, over or upon the line or lines of any railroad in this state.

Eligible Expenses are expenses for repairs and maintenance that satisfy all of the following criteria:

1.Eligible expenses must have been incurred during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report.

2.Eligible expenses must have been incurred in the State of Michigan.

3.Eligible expenses must be made for the maintenance or improvement of rolling stock which are subject to taxation by the State under PA 282 of 1905 as amended.

Examples of Eligible and Non-Eligible Expenses are listed in the attached instructions.

Maximum Credit Available:

This credit is not refundable or deferrable. Expenses in excess of a company's property tax liability are not eligible for credit against prior or subsequent years' liability.

Company Name

Eligibility

Are you an "eligible company" which has incurred expenses that satisfy ALL of the requirements listed above?

Yes ___

No ___

If Yes, please enter total eligible expenses below.

If No, you are NOT ELIGIBLE for credit. DO NOT SUBMIT EXPENSES.

Total Eligible Expenses for Maintenance and Improvement of Qualified Rolling Stock in Michigan (include labor, material, overhead, and payments to others for work done).

$

7

Instructions for Completion of the Annual Report by State Assessed Railroads

Who must file this report? (MCL 207.6)

All railroad companies, union station and depot companies, and switching and terminal companies operating in the State of Michigan pursuant to Section 6 of PA 282 of 1905.

When is this report due? (MCL 207.6)

If your annual gross receipts exceed $1,000,000, this report is due by March 31st.

If your annual gross receipts do not exceed $1,000,000, this report is due by March 15th.

How to submit this report:

This report may be submitted electronically or mailed in paper format. If you wish to submit this form electronically, please visit the following web site at www.michigan.gov/stateassessedproperty or you may call (517) 241-4338 for more information on how to file electronically. Any company which desires to take advantage of the new online process, will be able to request an individual secure Personal Identification Number (PIN) by filling out Treasury form 4435. Once the Personal Identification Number (PIN) is issued, the company can use that PIN to access the site for submitting their Annual Property Report and any applicable credit applications online. The company can also use the PIN to view calculation worksheets and tax notices, once all the processing is complete. The secure PIN protects the account, and restricts access so that only the person which the company authorizes can access or view the information submitted to the state.

If submitting this form by mail, please complete and sign the declaration on page one and send the entire completed form to:

Mailing Address:

For Overnight Package Delivery:

Michigan Department of Treasury

Michigan Department of Treasury

Michigan State Tax Commission

Michigan State Tax Commission

P O Box 30471

Austin Building

Lansing, MI 48909-7971

430 W. Allegan Street

 

Lansing, MI 48922

What property is subject to taxation? (MCL 207.5)

The term "property having a situs in this state", includes all property, real and personal, of the persons, corporations, companies, co-partnerships and associations enumerated in the act, which is owned, used and occupied by them within the limits of this state, and also such proportion of their rolling stock, cars, and other property as is used partly within and partly without this state as provided by PA 282 of 1905.

Schedule 1

List all rolling stock which is owned or leased by you. List the number of units reported as well as reportable current year costs. Property must be listed at its full original cost new, in the year that it was new. If the original/new acquisition cost of a railcar that was initially purchased by another company can be obtained, that information must be reported. If the original/new acquisition cost of a railcar that was initially purchased by another company cannot be obtained, then the original/new acquisition cost shall be equal to the subsequent price paid by the reporting company upon acquiring the used railcar. All betterments, including capital improvements, mandated betterments, capital upgrades, safety features, and mandated repairs should be reported in the year the expenditure is booked as a fixed asset.

The "Costs Reported Prior Year", "Losses", "Additions", and "True Cash Value" columns are for Assessment and Certification Division (ACD) use only. To view the values and calculations entered by the Assessment and Certification Division, please fill out form 4435 to obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for access to the online reporting form available at www.michigan.gov/taxes (please see "How to submit this report" section above for specific website location). Tentative Values will be electronically posted on or about May 15th, and Final Values will be electronically posted on or about June 15th.

Schedule 2

This is to be submitted by all railroads and calls for summary data relating to investment for the company(s) properties in Michigan. Investment in account 732 (improvements on leased property) shall also be reported on Schedule 2. The "Previous Year Plant Balance" column is for Assessment and Certification Division office use only. List any retirements that have occurred during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report. List the accumulated depreciation for those retirements in the column designated.

8

List any expenditures for additions that occurred during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report. Exclude locally-assessed property, erosion control property, and property funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation. List the accumulated first year depreciation for those additions in the column designated. Inventory is exempt from assessment. Inventory does not include personal property under lease or principally intended for lease or rental, rather than sale. Property allowed a cost recovery allowance or depreciation under the Internal Revenue Code is not inventory. Non-registered motor vehicles and equipment attached to motor vehicles which is not used while the vehicle travels on the highway are assessable. Computer software, if the purchase was evidenced by a separate invoice amount and if the software is commonly sold separately, is exempt.

In the Accumulated Depreciation column, list the accumulated depreciation for assets in place at year end.

List the balance of costs at calendar year end (December 31st). The "True Cash Value" column is for Assessment and Certification division office use only.

List the current year construction in progress. Report all costs that have been incurred including overheads, installation costs incurred, sales tax and freight. Reporting of costs should be separated by project. Property which is placed in service on or before December 31st is considered placed in service that year and should be entirely reported on the line which represents the year that it was considered placed in service. Similarly, the cost of all assets must be reported as acquired in the year that they were placed in service, rather than the year of purchase, if those years differ. The adjusted construction in progress and the Schedule 2 True Cash Value will be calculated by the Assessment and Certification Division.

Schedule 3

A.Enter the Total Interest Paid to service debt to finance railway operations. Interest must be for short term and long term debt. The columns provide for the amounts from the last four years. The phase-in of the interest in the valuation calculation based on the income approach, began with the 2011 tax year.

B.Enter the Total Net Operating Income from Railway Operations. The columns provide for the amounts reported from the last four years.

Schedule 4

If your company's property (whether owned or leased) is used entirely within the State of Michigan, you are not required to provide allocation information. If your company's property (whether owned or leased) is used partly within and partly without the State of Michigan, provide the allocation information based on the system as a whole, and the portion attributable to Michigan. For further details on reporting specifications, consult the Uniform System of Accounts for Railroad Companies. (49 CFR 1201 et.seq.)

Schedule 5

Please check the appropriate box indicating whether any sales or transfers of car marks have occurred in the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report. If you select yes, please describe any sales and transfers of car marks that occurred.

Schedule 6

Enter the total annual mileage traveled during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report, over track that you operate (whether owned or leased). Please provide the mileage by individual car mark.

Schedule 7

Indicate whether there have been any changes to your real property as compared to the prior year’s information and provide information about any changes in the reporting box.

Losses to Real Property

Losses mean the decrease in value which has not been reflected in the assessment unit’s immediately preceding year’s assessment roll. Losses include removal or destruction of real property, newly exempt property, or newly contaminated property.

Additions to Real Property

Additions mean an increase in value which has not been reflected on the assessment unit’s immediately preceding year’s assessment roll. Additions include omitted property, new or replacement construction, and increases in value due to new public services and/or contamination remediation.

9

Instructions for Tax Credit for Maintenance and Improvement of Right of Way

Sec. 13 of PA 282 of 1905, as amended, (more specifically MCL 207.13(2) and MCL 207.13a(5)(b)(ii)), allows credit against the tax imposed, for eligible expenses incurred in the State of Michigan by railroad companies for maintenance or improvement of rights of way, including those items, except depreciation, in the official maintenance-of-way and capital track accounts of the railroad company in this state during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report, but not to exceed the total liability for the tax under this act.

Additional Statutory Requirements for Eligibility (MCL 207.13(2) - (5))

In order to be eligible for the tax credit for maintenance and improvement of rights of way, the railroad companies must complete and file [3 COPIES OF] an annual report with the State Tax Commission that includes the following:

1.Detailed data of right of way work conducted in this state during the past calendar year separated by costs of labor and materials on each project and itemized in the following categories:

(a)Miles of track laid

(b)Tons of new ballast installed

(c)Number of ties installed

(d)Miles of track surfaced

(e)Signals installed

(f)Under drainage work done

2.The number of notices of violation from the railway inspectors by railroad section,

3.A detailed account of the location and nature of the work defined by railroad section or mile posts surrounding the work area plus the county, city, or township in which the work was performed,

4. Demonstration that the highest priority of expenditures for the maintenance and improvement of rights of way has been given to rail lines that handle hazardous materials, especially those that are located in urban or residential areas, and detailed data on the tonnages of hazardous materials handled in relation to tonnages of other traffic handled over the rail line for which a tax credit is being applied.

In addition, the company must grant to another railroad company, upon application by the latter, trackage rights over its line for trains, providing that the train operations do not interfere with the movement of Michigan freight using the same trackage, if operations can be accomplished safely in the opinion of the grantor and if trackage arrangements and train operations are approved by the interstate commerce commission.

***NOTE*** Filing of the credit application does not relieve you of the requirement of filing 3 copies of the above defined report with the State Tax Commission. You are still required to provide the above information in a separate report.

What expenses are eligible for credit against the tax levied? MCL 207.13(2)

Eligible Expenses:

1.Eligible expenses must have been incurred during the calendar year immediately preceding the statutory due date of this report.

2.Eligible expenses must have been incurred in the State of Michigan.

3.Examples of Eligible Capital Expenses for Road and Equipment include, but are not limited to items from the following categories:

(1)

Engineering exp. directly related to R & E Property

(23)

Wharves and Docks

(3)

Other Right-of-Way Expenses

(24)

Coal and Ore Wharves

(4)

Grading

(25)

TOFC/COFC Terminals

(5)

Tunnels and Subways

(26)

Communication Systems

(6)

Bridges, trestles, and culverts

(27)

Signals and Interlockers

(7)

Elevated Structures

(37)

Roadway Machines

(8, 9, 10, 11) Ties, Rails and other Track Material

(38)

Roadway small tools

(12) Track Laying and Surfacing

(39)

Public Improvements - Construction

(13) Fences, Snowsheds, and Signs

(43)

Other Expenses - Road

(17) Roadway Buildings (portion housing MOW equipment and engineering)

10

Form Specifications

Fact Name Fact Description
Form Purpose The Michigan 1028 form is used for the Annual Property Report for state-assessed railroads.
Governing Law This report is governed by Michigan Public Act 282 of 1905, as amended.
Filing Requirement Filing the Michigan 1028 form is mandatory for applicable companies.
Contact Person Each company must designate one authorized contact person for correspondence regarding the report.
Filing Deadlines Companies with gross receipts over $1,000,000 must file by March 31; those with receipts of $1,000,000 or less must file by March 15.
Late Filing Penalty A fine of $500 per day applies for companies that fail to file a complete report by the due date.
Notary Requirement The report must be signed and notarized by an authorized company officer.
Inventory Exemption Inventory is exempt from assessment, except for certain leased personal property.
Accessing Summary Calculations After processing, companies can view summary calculations online by requesting a personal identification number (PIN).

Michigan 1028: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the Michigan 1028 form is a crucial step for companies that need to report their annual property information. After completing the form, it must be submitted by the specified deadlines to avoid penalties. Companies with annual gross receipts over $1,000,000 must file by March 31, while those with lower receipts must submit by March 15. Failure to file on time can result in daily fines.

  1. Obtain the Michigan 1028 form from the State Tax Commission website or your local tax office.
  2. Fill in the Company Name and Federal Tax ID Number in the designated fields.
  3. Provide the Company Address where the tax bill should be sent, including City, State, and ZIP Code.
  4. Identify the Company Authorized Contact Person and fill in their details including Contact Address, Telephone Number, Fax Number, and E-mail Address.
  5. Indicate if there have been any name changes, acquisitions, or sales during the previous calendar year. If yes, provide details.
  6. Complete Schedule 1 by reporting the total cost of rolling stock owned or leased, including the year of acquisition and true cash value.
  7. Fill out Schedule 2 for investments in road property, detailing costs, depreciation, and any adjustments needed.
  8. Report any interest paid on debt from railway operations in Schedule 3.
  9. Provide allocation factors in Schedule 4, indicating whether operations are entirely within Michigan.
  10. Complete Schedule 5 regarding any sales or transfers of car marks that occurred in the previous year.
  11. Itemize railcar mileage in Schedule 6 by car mark.
  12. Describe any changes to real property in Schedule 7, including additions or losses.
  13. Review the completed form for accuracy and ensure all sections are filled out correctly.
  14. Sign the form, certifying that the information provided is complete and correct. Include the printed name, title, and date.
  15. Have the form notarized by a notary public, including their signature and commission expiration date.
  16. Submit the completed form by the applicable deadline to avoid penalties.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Michigan 1028 form?

The Michigan 1028 form, known as the Annual Property Report, is a mandatory filing for companies assessed by the State of Michigan. It is specifically designed for railroads and must be submitted annually. This report collects essential information about the company's property and operations for tax assessment purposes.

Who is required to file the Michigan 1028 form?

Companies with annual gross receipts greater than $1,000,000 must file the Michigan 1028 form by March 31. Those with receipts equal to or less than $1,000,000 have a slightly earlier deadline of March 15. Failure to file on time can result in significant penalties, including a fine of $500 per day.

What information do I need to provide on the form?

The form requires various details, including the company name, Federal Tax ID number, and address for tax bills. You must also designate an authorized contact person. Additionally, the report asks for information about rolling stock, road property, and any changes in company ownership or structure during the previous calendar year.

What happens if I miss the filing deadline?

If you miss the filing deadline, your company may incur a fine of $500 for each day the report is late. This penalty can accumulate quickly, so it’s crucial to file on time to avoid unnecessary financial burdens.

Are there exemptions I should be aware of?

Yes, certain properties are exempt from assessment. For example, inventory is generally exempt, as are motor vehicles registered with the Michigan Secretary of State on Tax Day (December 31). Additionally, specific computer software purchases may also qualify for exemption if they meet certain criteria.

How can I access my company's summary calculations after filing?

After the Assessment and Certification Division processes your report, you can access summary calculations by requesting a personal identification number (PIN). This PIN allows you to log into your company's secure online account to view the results. Tentative values will be available around May 15, with final values posted by June 15.

Common mistakes

  1. Missing Deadlines: One common mistake is failing to submit the Michigan 1028 form by the required deadlines. Companies with gross receipts over $1,000,000 must file by March 31, while those with lower receipts must file by March 15.

  2. Incomplete Information: Providing incomplete information can lead to delays or fines. Ensure every section of the form is filled out accurately, including company name and tax ID.

  3. Incorrect Contact Person: Only one authorized contact person is allowed. Failing to designate the correct individual can complicate communication and lead to misunderstandings.

  4. Ignoring Changes: If your company underwent any name changes, acquisitions, or sales, it’s essential to disclose this. Not doing so may result in penalties.

  5. Misreporting Financials: Accurate reporting of financial data is crucial. Mistakes in the reported costs or revenues can lead to significant issues with the tax commission.

  6. Neglecting Notary Requirements: The form must be notarized. Failing to include a notary signature can render the submission invalid.

  7. Forgetting Attachments: If additional documentation is required, ensure it is attached. Missing attachments can delay processing.

  8. Confusing Inventory Rules: Understanding what qualifies as inventory is vital. Misclassifying items can lead to incorrect assessments.

  9. Overlooking Schedule Details: Each schedule in the form has specific requirements. Ignoring these details can lead to incomplete submissions.

  10. Failing to Review: Before submitting, review the form thoroughly. Errors often go unnoticed without a careful final check.

Documents used along the form

The Michigan 1028 form is a crucial document for companies assessed by the state for property tax purposes. When filing this report, several other forms and documents may also be required or beneficial for proper compliance. Below is a list of related documents often used alongside the Michigan 1028 form.

  • Schedule 1: Statement of Total Cost of Rolling Stock - This schedule details the total costs of rolling stock owned or leased by the company, including locomotives and freight cars, categorized by year of acquisition.
  • Schedule 2: Investment in Road Property - This document outlines the costs associated with road property used in transportation services, including additions and retirements throughout the year.
  • Schedule 3: Interest Paid on Debt - This schedule records the interest paid on debt from railway operations, providing a four-year historical perspective for financial analysis.
  • Schedule 4: Statement of Allocation Factors - This form helps allocate operational factors between national and Michigan-specific activities, including freight car miles and revenue distribution.
  • Schedule 5: Sales and Transfers of Car Marks - This schedule documents any sales or transfers of car marks that occurred during the reporting period, ensuring proper record-keeping for compliance.
  • Schedule 6: Statement of Railcar Mileage - This document itemizes railcar mileage traveled over tracks operated by the company, categorized by car mark for accurate reporting.
  • Schedule 7: Real Property Changes - This schedule captures any changes to real property, such as additions or losses, during the calendar year preceding the filing date.

These documents work in conjunction with the Michigan 1028 form to provide a comprehensive overview of a company's property and operational status. Accurate completion of all relevant forms is essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Similar forms

The Michigan 1028 form is an important document for state-assessed railroads, serving as an annual property report. Several other documents share similarities with the Michigan 1028 form, particularly in their purpose and structure. Here’s a look at seven such documents:

  • IRS Form 1065: This form is used by partnerships to report income, deductions, gains, and losses. Like the Michigan 1028, it requires detailed financial information and is mandatory for eligible entities.
  • IRS Form 1120: Corporations use this form to report their income and calculate their tax liability. Both forms necessitate accurate financial reporting and are filed annually.
  • State Property Tax Return: Many states require property owners to file a return detailing their property holdings. Similar to the Michigan 1028, this document ensures that property is assessed accurately for tax purposes.
  • Annual Report (Corporations): Corporations often must file annual reports with the state, providing updates on their business status and financials. Like the Michigan 1028, it is a formal requirement that keeps state records current.
  • Form 990: Nonprofit organizations use this form to report their financial activities to the IRS. Both the Form 990 and the Michigan 1028 require transparency in financial reporting and are crucial for compliance.
  • Business License Renewal Application: Businesses must often renew their licenses annually, providing updated information similar to what is required in the Michigan 1028 form. Both documents help ensure businesses are operating within legal parameters.
  • Sales Tax Return: Businesses file this return to report and pay sales tax collected. Like the Michigan 1028, it involves a detailed accounting of financial activity over the year.

Understanding these documents can help businesses and organizations navigate their compliance obligations more effectively. Each serves a unique purpose but shares common threads of accountability and transparency.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Michigan 1028 form, it's important to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here’s a list of things to do and avoid to help you navigate the process smoothly.

  • Do read the instructions carefully before starting the form.
  • Do provide accurate information about your company, including the Federal Tax ID number.
  • Do ensure you have a single authorized contact person listed for correspondence.
  • Do file the report by the appropriate deadline based on your company’s gross receipts.
  • Do check for any name changes, acquisitions, or sales that occurred in the previous year.
  • Don't forget to sign the form; an unsigned form may be considered incomplete.
  • Don't submit the form late, as fines can accumulate quickly.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; if something doesn't apply, indicate that clearly.
  • Don't overlook the notary requirement; ensure it is properly completed.
  • Don't ignore the instructions for filing options; choose the one that works best for your company.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your Michigan 1028 form is filled out correctly and submitted on time, minimizing the risk of penalties or issues with your filing.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Michigan 1028 form can lead to confusion and potential penalties. Here are five common misconceptions clarified:

  • Filing is optional for all companies. This is incorrect. Filing the Michigan 1028 form is mandatory for companies meeting certain revenue thresholds.
  • Only large companies need to file. In reality, any company with gross receipts over $1,000,000 must file by March 31. Companies with receipts of $1,000,000 or less must file by March 15.
  • Late filing incurs a one-time penalty. This is misleading. A company that fails to file on time may face a fine of $500 per day until the report is submitted.
  • All property is exempt from assessment. This is false. While certain items like inventory and registered motor vehicles are exempt, other assets may still be assessed.
  • Changes in company structure do not need to be reported. This is not true. Companies must disclose any name changes, acquisitions, or sales that occurred during the year prior to the filing.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Michigan 1028 form is a crucial process for companies involved in railroad operations. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Mandatory Filing: The Michigan 1028 form must be filed annually by companies, as mandated by Michigan Public Act 282 of 1905. Timely submission is essential to avoid penalties.
  • Due Dates: Companies with annual gross receipts exceeding $1,000,000 must file by March 31, while those with receipts of $1,000,000 or less have a deadline of March 15. Failure to meet these deadlines incurs a fine of $500 per day.
  • Authorized Contact: Only one person can be designated as the authorized contact for each company. This individual will handle all correspondence related to the report, ensuring clarity and efficiency in communication.
  • Accurate Information: It is vital to ensure that all information provided in the form is complete and accurate. The report must be certified by a company officer, affirming that the details are true to the best of their knowledge.