News Release
January 11, 2000 - Columbus, Ohio
- Ohioans Can Get State Refunds Electronically
Tax Refund Option Saves Time and Money
Ohioans can now get their state income tax refunds back even
faster. The Ohio Department of Taxation and Auditor of State
Jim Petro announced today that those individuals who file
their state taxes electronically can receive an electronic
refund deposited directly into a checking or savings account.
"Allowing those who already 'E-File' their state taxes to
receive a refund electronically is efficient for Ohioans and
saves the state more than $375,000 a year in processing
costs," said Auditor of State Jim Petro.
Ohio saves an estimated 40 cents for each paper check
converted to direct deposit. The Auditor's office has
responsibility for issuing payments owed by the state.
"We're working hard to make these programs even more
attractive to taxpayers, and direct deposit of refunds is a
great feature," said Ohio Tax Commissioner Tom Zaino. "It
gives people more control over the system and gives us an
opportunity to enhance our service to the public."
The new option allows taxpayers who file their state income
tax by telephone (TeleFile) or electronically (E-File) to
receive refunds directly into their checking or savings
account. Direct deposit can make refunds available within
seven days. In comparison, Ohioans who choose to have a
refund check mailed to them could wait two weeks if they
filed by telephone or electronically, and up to two months if
they file a paper return.
More than 1.1 million Ohioans filed "paperless" returns last
year. Only California has more paperless tax filers. The
E-File option is available to all Ohio residents, while the
TeleFile program this year has been expanded to allow more
taxpayers to phone in their income tax returns. Taxpayers can
find out more about either program by calling the Department
of Taxation (800-282-1780).
For more information contact:
Gary Gudmundson, Communications Director
Ohio Department of Taxation
(614) 644-6903