Personal property is every tangible item used in business and devoted primarily to the business conducted on the premises, except property classified as real estate. Taxable personal property includes machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, small tools, inventories and supply items. Real property is classified as those items devoted primarily to the use of the land, including land, buildings and structures on the land.

If you are engaged in business in Ohio and report a listed value of $10,001 or more, you must file a return. House Bill 95 eliminated the filing requirement for taxpayers with a listed value of $10,000 or less, effective with the 2004 tax return.

If you have personal property physically located in only one Ohio county, complete Form 920 – County Return of Taxable Business Property, and Form 921 – Ohio Balance Sheet, in duplicate.

If you have personal property physically located in multiple Ohio counties, file Form 945 – Inter-County Return of Taxable Business Property and Form 921 – Ohio Balance Sheet. Other forms may also be required, depending on specific circumstances of an individual business.  No return is required to be filed if the total listed value reported is $10,000 or less.

It is filed with the County Auditor’s office where the personal property is physically located.  

Ohio Department of Taxation

Personal Property Tax Division

P O Box 530

Columbus OH 43216-0530

When Form 920 is filed one-half of the total tax due, payable to the County Treasurer, must be submitted at the time of filing the tax return. A bill for the second half of the tax will be sent by the local County Treasurer, due September 20th or as extended.

When Form 945 is filed, no tax is paid at the time of filing. Bills for the entire amount of taxes due will be mailed by, and payable to, the various County Treasurers and will also be due by September 20th or as extended.