 |
Best Tip for 2006: Use Ohio I-File
It's Fast, Easy, Free...and Quick Refunds, Too --
Absolutely, the Best Choice for Electronic Filing!
This page is designed to give Ohio taxpayers a one-stop information resource for the 2005 tax filing season. It contains an update of the major tax changes this year, a how-to guide for electronic tax filing, links to additional information, and Ohio Department of Taxation contacts.
Live assistance is also available on our toll-free taxpayer assistance line at 1-800-282-1780 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with extended hours until 7 p.m. from Jan. 30 through April 17, 2006.
NEW FOR THE 2005 TAX YEAR |
 |
See 2005 Ohio Income Tax Return and Instructions for details. |
| |
|
Tax Cut: Individual income tax rates are reduced by 4.2% across-the-board for this year and in each of the next four years. |
|
Tax Credit: Taxpayers with a taxable annual income of $10,000 or less owe no income tax. |
|
Exemption Increase: The personal and dependent income tax exemption is increased to $1,350. |
|
Deduction Increase: The deduction for funds deposited in an Ohio Medical Savings Account is increased to $3,731. |
|
Military Contribution: If you are due a refund, you can contribute all or part of it to the Military Injury Relief Fund to provide grants for members of the military injured while participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. You can also contribute directly to this fund by mailing a check, payable to the Ohio Treasurer of State, to:
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Military Injury Relief Fund
P.O. Box 182367
Columbus, OH 43218-2367 |
|
Tax Amnesty: From Jan. 1 through Feb. 15, 2006, any person or business who has a previously unreported tax liability of tangible personal property, corporation franchise, sales and use, pass-through entity, employer withholding, school district withholding, individual income or school district income taxes is eligible to receive amnesty for their debt and pay only half the interest due. Penalties will be waived. Call 1-888-405-4039 to find out more, or log on to:
www.taxamnestyohio.com |
| |
OHIO I-FILE |
| |
 |
|
is @:
tax.ohio.gov
Electronic Tax Filing with Ohio I-File
Ohio I-File is the Ohio Department of Taxation’s online filing option for all state taxpayers. Ohio I-File provides a user-friendly system with a number of benefits.
|
|
It offers one location for individual state tax filing. Just click on the Ohio I-File icon above, and it will take you to a start page where you can file both:
individual income tax and
school district income tax returns.
|
|
It speeds up tax refunds. If you are due a refund and choose the direct deposit option, the money will be in your bank account in 5-7 days.
|
|
It saves taxpayer dollars. To process an electronic return, it costs $1.15; paper returns cost $3 each.
|
|
Ohio I-File is free and requires no additional software. |
| |
|
|
STEPS TO Ohio I-File:
Separate applications allow you to file either individual income tax or
school district income tax.
You will be directed to type in the appropriate information for each line of your return.
Ohio I-File makes the appropriate calculations for you. If you need an explanation, a “Help” feature is available from a question-mark prompt that gives you instructions
for every line.
If you are due a refund, choose the Direct Deposit option and the refund will be sent
right to your checking or savings account, usually within five to seven days.
If you owe tax, use the Ohio ePayment option to pay by check or credit card and
choose the date you want the payment made. You can also file a payment voucher
and send the payment by April 15.
(Note: if you’re a first-time tax filer in Ohio, or if you previously filed using a non-Ohio address, you’re required to register with the Ohio Department of Taxation before registering with and using Ohio I-File. Details are on the Ohio I-File page.)
Ohio TeleFile: Ohio also has TeleFile available for selected taxpayers who have
less complicated returns. Taxpayers eligible for this electronic filing option will
receive a TeleFile booklet in the mail that enables them to file their taxes over the
phone.
|
OTHER ELECTRONIC FILING OPTIONS |
| |
Many tax preparers offer electronic filing of both federal and state tax returns.
The IRS maintains a list of tax preparers, by zip code, who are authorized e-file
providers. Taxpayers with limited incomes may also be eligible for the IRS "free file"
program. Please visit the IRS Web site for more information. Click on the “e-file”
logo and look under “e-file for Individual Taxpayers”.
Tax preparation software can be purchased, allowing you to file your federal income
tax return electronically. State tax software packages are also available commercially.
|
| CONTACTS AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
|
|
|
If you need instructions, forms or other information, please visit the home page of the Ohio Department of Taxation Web site or drop by any of our nine Taxpayer Service Centers.
|
|
You can also E-Mail Us from the Web site or:
Call our toll-free taxpayer assistance line at 1-800-282-1780 from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Jan.
30 through April 15, 2006.
Booklets with instructions and forms are available at many libraries, banks and post
offices.
|
|
Tax Forms |
|
Individual Income Tax |
|
2005 Ohio Income Tax Return and Instructions |
|
School District Income Tax |
|
2005 School District Income Tax Return |
|
Military and Taxes in Ohio
Be Sure to Use Ohio I-File and File Electronically --
It's Absolutely the Best Choice! |
|
