(Source: MIRS.news, Published 01/30/2025) Diapers, bottles, child seats, breast milk pumps and other baby/toddler care items would be exempt from Michigan’s sales tax under bills introduced by three House Republicans as part of three family-centered cost-saving proposals.   

HB 4055, HB 4056, HB 4057, HB 4058 and HB 4059, introduced by Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland), Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson) and Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland), also create a Child Care Savings Account, allowing parents to put as much $20,000 into a tax-free account to cover child care expenses. 

The package also allows income tax filers to write off as much as $500 from their state taxes for child care expenses. Technically, the amount is 50% of the federal child care tax credit, which is $1,000 a year, but less for those with higher incomes. 

“Michigan should be the best and most affordable state in the country to raise a family. If we want our state to thrive, that starts with taking care of our families,” Schuette said. “Giving Michiganders a break on the many expenses they face is a necessity. This package of bills will help hard-working families keep more of their hard-earned money and provide much needed financial relief as many work to balance the family budget.”  

Schuette, Schmaltz and DeBoer proposed these five bills two years ago, but the package was not taken up by the 2023 Democratic majority, according to a statement released by MI House Republicans.   

“The cost of diapers, childcare, and other essentials adds up quickly, and too many families are forced to make tough choices,” Schmaltz said. “By providing this much-needed relief, we’re helping parents focus on what truly matters – raising happy, healthy kids in a state that values and supports them.”