refund amount flipped to me owing

For clarity: You have the potential to get your refund back if you file an amended return which addresses the known issues on MI Form 4884 for surviving spouse benefits (see here), if this applies to you. You can follow the link for help with amending your return, which is still being fixed by our development team. [Edited 04/16/26|7:22pm PST] @JudyVB 

You have the right to disagree with tax notices and assessments sent to you from the Michigan Treasury, and send a notice response asking for abatement. From the MI DoT page What To Do If You Disagree:

If you believe you have received a bill for taxes due that you do not owe, send the following information to support your claim:

• A letter explaining why the tax is not due with documents to support the reasons you outline in your letter. Be sure to include your account number (Social Security or tax identification number) on the letter.
• A legible copy of the front and back of your canceled check or money order
• A copy of the billing notice you received from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Mail the above information to the address that appears on the bill.

Information about how to appeal the bill can be found on the back of the billing notice, or in the Taxpayer Rights Handbook.

Please Note: If you received retirement income under surviving spouse benefits, you likely need to file an amended return. The above notice response instructions will not work if your situation matches this discussion. 
How do I amend my state tax return?

You also have certain options for audit defense with TurboTax stemming from your purchase. From the TurboTax Audit Support Center help page:

What types of audit support does TurboTax provide?

TurboTax offers the following options for support when you receive an audit notice.

• Audit Support Guarantee
  • Description:
    • Free one-on-one audit guidance when you file a return with any TurboTax version except TurboTax Business for Windows
  • Services:
    • Consultation with a trained tax professional if you receive an audit notice
    • Year-round answers to your audit questions
    • Assistance with what to expect and how to prepare for an audit
  • Contact info:
    • Call 800-624-9066 for assistance
• Audit Defense
  • Description:
    • Optional paid add-on service that must be purchased when you file your taxes
    • Available through MAX Defend and Restore (TurboTax Online), PLUS, or as a standalone service (TurboTax desktop software)
  • Services:
    • Full audit representation by a licensed tax professional, including representation in front of the IRS
  • Contact info:
    • Create or sign in to your Audit Defense account to get started.
    • You can also contact TaxAudit at 877-829-9695.

How do I know if I purchased Audit Defense?

To determine if you purchased Audit Defense, sign in to your TurboTax account, select the tax year under Your tax returns & documents, and select View order details. If you have PLUS, Max Benefits, or Premium Services listed, then you purchased Audit Defense. In TurboTax Desktop, it’s called Audit Defense for TurboTax Desktop.

Tip: Have your notice and your tax return handy when you call.

Duplicate removed.