Jackson has a city income tax

Most Michigan towns don’t have a local income tax, but Jackson is one of about two dozen cities that do. If you live in the city of Jackson, you pay 1% of what you earn to the city — on top of state and federal taxes. If you live outside the city but work at a job inside it, you pay half that, 0.5%. The tax has been around since 1970.

A few things to know: it’s a tax on earned income — wages and business profit — not on Social Security or most retirement income. It follows the city limits, not your mailing address, so a “Jackson” address out in a nearby township may not owe it. And it’s a separate return from your state taxes, due at the end of April. The city treasurer’s office at City Hall (161 W. Michigan Ave.) handles it.