Skip to main content

Your First Month in Michigan

tip

Keep a physical folder for all your paper receipts and documents during your first 30 days. You will need them for taxes and proof of residency.

Settling into Michigan takes more than just unpacking boxes.

Your first month is about integrating into the local systems—banking, taxes, and official identification.

Establish a Bank Account​

To pay utilities and receive your paycheck, you need a local or national bank account.

Choosing a Bank​

  • National Banks: Chase, Bank of America, and Huntington have a large presence in Michigan.
  • Credit Unions: Michigan is known for strong credit unions like Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) or Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU).
info

Local credit unions often offer better interest rates and opportunities than national banks. For entreprenuers, it is smart to build a professional relationship with your local credit union.

Requirements to Open​

  • Your Passport or Driver's License.
  • Proof of Michigan address (your signed lease works perfectly here).
  • Your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN.

Net Pay​

Use our tool to quickly estimate your monthly take-home pay.

Michigan Net Pay Calculator​

Michigan Net Pay Estimator (2025)

$

Taxes​

Understanding your paycheck is vital. Michigan's tax system is simpler than some states, but local taxes can catch you off guard.

State Income Tax​

  • Michigan uses a flat state income tax rate of 4.25%.

City Income Taxes​

  • Some cities impose an additional local income tax.
  • Detroit: 2.40% for residents / 1.20% for non-residents.
  • Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint: Typically 1.0% for residents / 0.5% for non-residents.
  • If you live in one of these cities but work in another, your employer usually handles the withholding, but you should verify this with HR.
info

Relocation bonuses are considered taxable income. Expect a higher tax withholding on the paycheck that includes your moving allowance.

Get a State ID​

If you do not plan to drive or haven't passed your road test yet, you should still obtain official identification.

Michigan State ID​

  • If you don't drive, get a Michigan State ID at the Secretary of State (SOS) for official identification.
  • This serves as your primary ID for age verification, internal flights (if it's a REAL ID), and entering government buildings.

The Application Process​

  • Visit an SOS office (appointments are highly recommended).
  • Bring the same "Proof of Residency" and "Legal Presence" documents required for a Driver's License.
warning

You cannot hold both a Michigan Driver's License and a Michigan State ID at the same time. Once you pass your driving test, your State ID will be invalidated.

Local Services​

Don't forget to set up your basic infrastructure to avoid service interruptions.

Trash and Recycling​

  • In many Michigan townships, you must contract privately for trash pickup (e.g., Priority Waste or Waste Management).
  • In larger cities like Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids, this is often included in your city taxes or water bill.

Voter Registration​

  • You can register to vote at the SOS office when you get your ID. Michigan allows same-day registration, but it's easiest to do it during your first month.

References

1 Michigan Department of Treasury - City Income Tax Rates

Donate

This website is compiled in my free-time at no charge to you. Consider donating $10 to support my work.