Ohio Online Income Tax Filing Season is Underway

Ohio income tax filers have begun sending in their 2012 state returns using two of the paperless filing options: TeleFile and Ohio I-File. Those filers who use commercial tax preparation services or software can begin filing their Ohio and federal tax returns Tuesday, January 22nd.

More than 81 percent of Ohio taxpayers are expected to file electronically this year, many to take advantage of the rapid return of their refund. Refunds requested through online filing methods are generally sent out within five to seven business days – much quicker than refunds claimed via a paper return, and quicker still if taxpayers request direct deposit of a refund into a bank account.

Those who wish to file a state income or school district income tax return electronically have three options:

• I-File – this free, online filing option is available on the department’s web site: tax.ohio.gov
• eFile – this online filing option is available through paid preparers or with commercial software to file through the IRS e-file program
• TeleFile – for those who want to file on Ohio return using a telephone

Enhanced options this year include the ability to retrieve your 1099G/INT electronically through our on-line services. Additionally, those required to make estimated payments can make all four quarterly payments with one simple log in to our ePayments application. Both features can be found at tax.ohio.gov.

With demand for paper forms shrinking, Ohio no longer sends income tax booklets and returns to everyone. The Department of Taxation though is still making these materials available at various libraries, banks, post offices, and new this year to dozens of senior centers around the state. The department will also send paper forms to taxpayers requesting them. All instructions and forms are available for downloading from the department’s web site.

The deadline for filing tax returns this year is Monday, April 15th. If you have questions about state or school district income taxes, please contact the department’s Taxpayer Service Center at 1-800-282-1780.