A Policy Analysis Of Michigan’s Mislabeled Gross Receipts Tax

Michael J. McIntyre and Richard D. Pomp Abstract: On January 1, 2008, the State of Michigan implemented a new tax, labeled a modified gross receipts tax (MGRT). The label is misleading. The tax is not on gross receipts but rather on gross receipts reduced by “purchases from other firms,” defined generally to include inventory purchased during the taxable year, capital purchases, and material and supplies. In some respects, the tax…