Renter's Credit FAQs

Yes. Once your original return has processed, file Form M1X, Schedule M1REF, and Schedule M1RENT.

Even though you are not required to file, you must file both returns to claim the credit. File Form M1, Schedule M1REF, Schedule M1RENT, and include copies of your CRPs to claim the Renter’s Credit. Include a copy of your federal return when filing.

You must file a paper return if your income is $0. If you have even $1 of income, from things like savings interest, gambling winnings, tips, or any other source not listed that contribute to your earnings, you should be able to e-file.

No. Filing software will request information reported on the CRP, which creates an electronic version of the CRP to file the return. If you file on paper, include copies of CRPs. 

Contact the provider and ask for a corrected CRP with an ECN. If you do not get one, file your return and claim the Renter’s Credit with the CRP provided to you. We may contact you for additional information. 

Yes. Only claim the credit for one of the units rented. Include only your income on line 1 of Schedule M1RENT and your Certificate of Rent Paid (CRP) amounts on line 10. Do not include the spouse’s income or any other CRP. You must include an explanation if line 1 of the M1RENT does not match line 1 of Form M1. Such as situations where one spouse is living in a nursing home.

If you lived separately the entire year, you would claim the Renter’s Credit using the renter’s income and their CRP on Schedule M1RENT. Include an explanation with the return if the amount on line 1 of Schedule M1RENT is different than line 1 of Form M1.

The spouse who lived in the home files Form M1PR to claim the homestead refund. They include their income for the entire year and must provide an explanation why the income on Form M1 does not match the income on Form M1PR.

You file Form M1PR.

If you rent a mobile home, claim the Renter’s Credit on Form M1 using Schedule M1RENT. Combine rent amounts from both CRPs you received to claim the credit. 

Mobile homeowners use Worksheet 1 to calculate property tax for claiming the refund.

Yes. The credit is still computed in the taxpayer’s total refund. It is not restricted to only a surviving spouse or dependent like the homestead credit. 

Yes. You may include rent amounts from a CRP your dependent received when you claim the Renter’s Credit.

No. The individual does not meet eligibility requirements listed on the Schedule M1RENT, Renter’s Credit instructions. However, if a parent claims the disabled adult as a dependent who lives with them, they may add the dependent’s CRP into their Renter’s Credit.