IN-MI Tax Reciprocity 2026

IN-MI reciprocity serves the Michiana corridor - South Bend/Elkhart IN to Niles/Sturgis MI - one of the busiest small-metro interstate commutes in the Midwest.

Quick answer: Yes - IN and MI have a reciprocal tax agreement. IN residents working in MI file the MI-W4 reciprocity exemption and pay only IN tax. MI residents working in IN file form WH-47 and pay only MI tax (WH-47 also stops Indiana county tax).

How It Works Both Directions

ScenarioForm To FileResult
Live IN, work MIMI-W4 (to skip MI)No MI withholding. Pay IN tax only.
Live MI, work INWH-47 (to skip IN)No IN withholding. Pay MI tax only.

Worked Example

Carlos lives in South Bend IN, works in Niles MI, earns $60,000. With reciprocity: he files MI-W4 claiming the exemption. MI withholds $0. IN withholds ~$1,770 state (2.95%) plus St. Joseph County income tax - Indiana county tax follows residence, so it applies no matter where he works. He files only an IN IT-40. Without the form: MI would withhold ~$2,550 (4.25%) and he would file two returns to unwind it.

Step-by-Step: Claim the Exemption

  1. Download the work-state exemption form (MI form MI-W4 (nonresident reciprocity exemption) for IN-residents-working-in-MI; IN form WH-47 for MI-residents-working-in-IN).
  2. Fill in name, SSN, home address (must be in the reciprocity state), and current date.
  3. Submit to HR/payroll at your employer.
  4. Verify on your next paystub that work-state tax withholding is $0.
  5. Update your home-state W-4 to make sure you withhold enough for full income tax.
  6. File only a resident return in your home state next April (unless you have non-wage work-state income).

OBBBA 2026 Note

OBBBA 2026 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) raised the federal SALT cap to $40,000. This matters for reciprocity commuters who itemize: your full home-state income tax is now more likely to be fully deductible on federal Schedule A, making the state-level tax difference between your home and work state a real after-tax driver of commute value. Check each state rate: IN top rate 2.95% flat + county (0.5-3%), MI top rate 4.25% flat.

FAQ

Which form does an Indiana resident working in Michigan file?

Use the MI-W4 and claim the reciprocity exemption as an Indiana resident. Michigan state withholding stops. If you physically work in a Michigan city with a local income tax, the city tax still applies.

Which form does a Michigan resident working in Indiana file?

File IN form WH-47 (Certificate of Residence) with your Indiana employer. It stops BOTH Indiana state withholding and Indiana county tax withholding - Indiana is unusual in extending reciprocity to its county income tax.

What is Indiana’s income tax rate for 2026?

2.95% flat, down from 3.0% in 2025 under Indiana’s phased cuts. A further cut to 2.9% is scheduled for 2027. Indiana counties add 0.5%-3% local income tax based on your county of residence on January 1.

Does reciprocity cover Michigan city income tax for IN residents?

No. Michigan city income taxes (e.g., Detroit 1.2% nonresident) apply to wages earned inside the city regardless of reciprocity. Niles and Sturgis have no city income tax, so most Michiana commuters are unaffected.

What if Michigan withheld tax before I filed the exemption?

File a Michigan nonresident return (MI-1040 + Schedule NR) showing the wages as exempt under reciprocity to get a full refund, then submit the MI-W4 exemption so future checks withhold Indiana tax.

Model Your Take-Home

See exact post-reciprocity paycheck with IN or MI withholding.

Paycheck Calculator →

Run the numbers for each state: Indiana Income Tax Calculator · Michigan Income Tax Calculator

Other reciprocity pairs:
IN-WI · MI-WI · MI-MN · MN-ND · MT-ND · NJ-PA · Full matrix

Tax calculations are estimates for educational and informational purposes only. This site does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation. Data sourced from IRS publications and official state tax authority websites.

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