In this paper we attempt to understand the different nature of first order magnetic transformation in Mn₃SnC as compared to that in Mn₃GaC. The transformation in Mn₃SnC is close to room temperature (­T_t≈280K) and is associated with a large change in magnetic entropy that makes it a suitable candidate for applications in ferroic cooling. Using a combination of x-ray and neutron diffraction and x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy we infer that the magnetic ground state consisting of antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic Mn atoms is due to structural distortions present in Mn₆C octahedra.