Here’s how you can potentially save a life while filing your taxes
Speakers pose with an informative prop during Monday’s press conference in Ann Arbor.
It’s tax time, Michigan’s forms are available and they have something new: an area to check a box if you want to join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.
The Treasury Department hopes to save lives after partnering with Gift of Life Michigan – the state’s organ and tissue donation program – to allow taxpayers to become registered organ and tissue donors by easily checking
a box on their 2023 income tax forms, due on April 15.
Filers can sign up on their paper forms or electronically. The form is available here: 4642, 2023 Michigan Voluntary Contributions Schedule and Anatomical Gift Donor Registry.
“The ability to join the Organ Donor Registry by simply checking a box on your state income taxes has the real potential to save lives,” said Jeff Guilfoyle, Michigan’s Chief Deputy Treasurer.
“Six million Michiganders file tax returns each year, which includes primary filers and their spouses. We believe this low-cost change represents a real opportunity to increase participation in the Registry.”
First in the U.S.
Michigan is the first in the nation to add the question to tax returns. Other states around the country are now taking steps to do the same.
A visit to the Secretary of State is the only time the public is routinely presented with the Donor Registry
question. This provides one more way.
Dorrie Dils, president and CEO of Gift of Life, headquartered in Ann Arbor, said the organization’s partnership with the Treasury Department is like no other, and will be life-changing for patients and their families.
“We’re so grateful that the Check Your Heart Act was signed into law last year and to the Treasury for this important partnership that offers a creative way to allow people to say yes to donation,” Dils said.
Thousands on transplant wait list
More than 2,400 patients are waiting in Michigan for a life-saving organ transplant.
“The urgency of the patients on the waiting list is also our urgency and always will be,” Dils said. “So, if you’re looking for a quick and effortless way to sign up, just check the box on your tax return. Your request will be directly routed to the Secretary of State.
“And to those who already have a red heart on their driver’s license or state ID, thank you!”
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