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1. Who is eligible to use Ohio I-File?
You may use Ohio I-File UNLESS you meet any one of the following:
2. What types of returns does Ohio I-File support?
At this time, you may file your Ohio individual income tax return, form IT 1040, and your Ohio school district income tax return, form SD 100, starting with tax year 2007 and forward tax years.
3. When can I use Ohio I-File?
Ohio I-File is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week except for maintenance. In December of each year, the application is unavailable so we can make updates for the new year. The ePayment system is down for only four days each year in December so you can still make your end-of-year tax payments.
4. How much does it cost to use Ohio I-File?
It is free to file your Ohio individual income tax return and your Ohio school district individual income tax return using Ohio I-File.
5. What are the benefits to using Ohio I-File?
Ohio I-File performs calculations for you, reducing the need to use the tax tables or manually perform mathematical calculations, thereby reducing the chance for error.
Ohio I-File eliminates the need for you to search through an instruction booklet for help. Now you can simply click on 
for your line item instructions.
Ohio I-File will speed up your filing process. Once you input your tax information, simply select "I Agree- File My Return" and your tax return is filed with the Ohio Department of Taxation. You will immediately receive a unique confirmation number that lets you know you have filed.
Ohio I-File will let you print your return as filed so that you will have a copy for your records. You can return any time after you file your return until Dec. 1st of the calendar year in which you filed to obtain a copy of your return. You can also save your return to your personal computer if your personal computer has the Adobe Reader tools to support this function.
Ohio I-File is paperless. You do not need to send us a copy of your return or your W-2(s), W-2G(s), 1099(s) or K-1's unless requested by the department.
Ohio I-File will allow for most refunds to be received in as little as 7 to 10 business days from the date you file if you choose the direct deposit option.
Ohio I-File allows you to file and pay your taxes 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which means increased flexibility for you. In addition, you can prepare and file your tax return early in the season, but schedule your payment for anytime up to the due date of the tax return.
Best of all, Ohio I-File is FREE!
6. What type of hardware and software is required?
You will need a computer with a standard browser and access to the Internet.
128-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption:
Your computer browser must be capable of 128-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. Most browsers are capable of this encryption support.
Session cookies must be enabled. The default browser settings have session cookies enabled, so you will be able to use this site unless you have specifically modified this browser option.
What is a session cookie?
A session cookie (also called per-session cookie) is a text-only string that gets entered into the memory of your browser. The value of this string is set by our Web site programs when you visit. Session cookies help us make sure that only you have access to your tax information.
Other recommendations:
We recommend that you have a printer available to print a copy of your tax return for your records.
We also recommend that JavaScript be enabled, but it is not required. The default browser settings should have JavaScript enabled.
Depending on your system configuration and options you select, your PC may or may not be able to use the Ohio I-File application.
7. Can I get a copy of my return if I use Ohio I-File?
Yes. When you have completed filing your return you will be given a confirmation number that verifies you have filed your return. Along with your confirmation number you will also be shown your completed Ohio individual income tax return, form IT-1040 or your school district individual income tax return, form SD-100, as filed. You will be given the opportunity to print your confirmation number and your return for your records.
You can choose to save your return in a portable document format (PDF) to your PC if your computer supports Adobe Acrobat Viewing software. Additionally, you can return to I-File anytime after you submit your return through Dec. 1st of the calendar year in which you filed to obtain a copy of your return. Important: In order to return to I-File, you must retain your registration information including your user ID and password.
If an electronic payment is made by credit card or electronic check, you will be given a separate confirmation number for that transaction. You will be given an opportunity to print this confirmation number for your records as well. We recommend you keep your return and confirmation for four years.
8. Who do I contact if I have a question while using Ohio I-File?
You can e-mail your questions by going to the department's Contact Us Web page and selecting "e-mail us." If you have already started your Ohio I-File session, you will have to "Save and Exit" in order to access this button. Once you have submitted your question, you may log back in to Ohio I-File with your social security number and password to continue.
You may also call our Taxpayer Services Division toll free at 1-800-282-1780.
Yes, it's secure. The Ohio Department of Taxation is using the latest Internet security technology to secure the transactions.
Security Protocols:
Ohio I-File has many layers of security. This includes processes and procedures to stop unauthorized access, validate appropriate participants, and ensure the integrity of the system. All transmissions to and from Ohio I-File use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology, which is the industry-standard protocol for secure, Web-based communications.
Encryption:
The Ohio I-File application uses 128-bit SSL encryption on data passing from the user to the application. This is the highest level of encryption generally available today. The information cannot be read without the specific decryption key.
10. What do you need before you begin to use Ohio I-File?
You will need the following information:
11. What is the Ohio I-File registration process?
Each calendar year you must register online to use Ohio I-File and the Ohio ePayment systems. Simply choose the registration option and follow the directions. Note: Once you have successfully registered, you should write down or print your user ID and password information. You must have this information to get back to Ohio I-File at a later date. If you have registered but cannot remember your password click here to create a new password.
12. Must I submit copies of W-2s, 1099s, K-1s or supporting documentation with my return?
When filing your Ohio tax return using Ohio I-File, you will be required to enter information from these documents in order to complete your return. Once you complete your Ohio I-Filing, the department requires no additional forms to be sent to us. We suggest that you print a copy of your return when completed and retain with all other records used to prepare your return, including W-2s, 1099s, and K-1 documents. Keep these records for at least four years from the later of the filing due date or the date you filed your return. Your tax return may be reviewed by the Ohio Department of Taxation. If your return is reviewed, you must be able to prove all claims and items listed on your return.
13. What do I do if I cannot remember my password?
You should always write your password down and keep it in a secure place. If you cannot remember your password, click here to reset your password or return to the registration screen and select the forgot password button to create a new password. Your password is only good for one calendar year and expires Dec. 1st of that same calendar year in which it was created.
14. What should I do if I have to log out of Ohio I-File before I have finished filing my return?
Simply select "Save Return and Exit" while using Ohio I-File. Your return information will be saved until 12/01. When you are ready to continue filing simply log back on and continue with your filing. After Dec. 1st, if you re-enter the Ohio I-File system you will be required to re-register and start over.
15. How do I complete my Ohio individual return and school district return when I am required to file both reports?
We recommend completing your Ohio individual income tax return first. You will receive a confirmation number for your Ohio filing once you remit the return. After the Ohio individual income tax return is transmitted, you will be given the option to file your Ohio school district income tax return. Required information from your recently completed Ohio filing will populate select school district fields, thus reducing the time it takes to complete your return. You will receive a separate confirmation number for your school district return.
If you do not receive a confirmation number, your return has not been transmitted and received by theOhio Department of Taxation.
NOTE: You cannot apply a refund or credit against a balance due from your Ohio income tax return to pay for any school district income tax, another person’s tax, or any prior year’s tax. Liabilities owed to other state agencies or taxing authorites are not applicable.
16. Can I file multiple school district returns?
Yes. However, you can only file one return for each school district.
17. Can I file my return now and return at a later time to select a payment option?
Yes. However, you are given the option to file now and post-date your payment anytime through April 17 using an electronic check. You cannot post-date a credit card payment. If you do decide to file now and return at a later time to pay, simply return to our Web site and select the Ohio ePayments option. Please remember to use your same Ohio I-File user ID and password.
18. Does Ohio I-File limit the amount of time you have to file your tax return?
No. There is no limit as long as you make progress in the application and do not exceed 30 minutes on an individual page. If you exceed 30 minutes on a single page, the session will "time out" and you will be required to log back into Ohio I-File to continue. Your filing information will be saved up to the last page completed.
19. What if I make a mistake using Ohio I-File?
You can correct any errors on your return at any time before you file your return. Simply type over your error and continue. Even if you have completed entering your information and you are viewing your calculated return, Ohio I-File provides you with the ability to modify your information before you file.
If you realize you have made an error after filing your return, you will be required to file an Ohio amended individual income tax return, form IT 1040X. If you made an error on your Ohio school district income tax return, you will be required to file an Ohio amended school district income tax return, form SD 100X. You can obtain copies of these forms at our Web site. If you would like a form faxed or mailed to you, please call our Automated Forms Request line, toll free 1-800-282-1782.
20. Am I required to round to the nearest dollar?
Yes. Ohio I-File requires you to round to the nearest whole dollar. To do so, drop any cents less than 50 cents and increase greater than 50 cents to the next higher dollar.
After you have read the declaration statement simply select "I Agree- File My Return."
22. How do I know the Department of Taxation has received my return?
Please be aware that until you select "I Agree-File My Return" you have not filed your return. Once you have electronically filed your return, Ohio I-File will give you a confirmation number as verification and show your return as filed. If you file the Ohio school district income tax return, you will receive a separate confirmation number. If you made a payment with your return via electronic check or credit card, you will receive a separate payment confirmation number. You should print and save this information for your records for four years.
23. What happens if I file my return on time but fail to pay by the filing deadline?
Returns paid late are subject to penalty and interest. You will receive a bill for any unpaid tax, penalty and interest.
24. Can I amend my return online?
At this time, Ohio I-File only allows you to file an original Ohio individual income tax return, form IT-1040, or an original Ohio school district income tax return, form SD-100.
If you realize you have made an error after I-Filing your return, you will be required to file an Ohio amended individual income tax return, form IT 1040X.
If you made an error on your Ohio School District Income Tax Return, you will be required to file an Ohio Amended School District Income Tax return, form SD 100X.
You can obtain copies of these forms at our website. If you would like a form faxed or mailed to you, please call our Automated Forms Request line, toll free 1-800-282-1782.
25. Who is eligible to use Ohio I-File for completing the school district return?
You may use Ohio I-File for the Ohio school district income tax return, form SD100, UNLESS you meet any one of the following:
26. What do you need before you begin to use Ohio I-File for your school district return?
You will need the following information:
Please utilize our self-registration process (if you are a first-time tax filer in Ohio, or you previously filed with a non-Ohio address, please follow the directions in "Unable to Register" here before beginning). If you are already registered for the current calendar year, your password is all you need to start the process.
Your completed Ohio individual income tax return. Most taxpayers must first file the Ohio individual income tax return but there are rare exceptions when the Ohio return is not required. Taxpayers meeting this criterion can still file the school district return after completion of the registration process.
All of your W-2, W-2G, 1099 and K-1 forms;
Your checking or savings account information and bank routing number if you choose to directly deposit your refund or pay your tax by electronic check;
Your credit card information for payment of a balance due. Accepted credit cards include American Express, Discover/NOVUS, MasterCard and VISA;
We recommend that you have a printer already to print a copy of your return for your records; and
27. What are the benefits to using Ohio I-File for completing the school district return?
Ohio I-File performs calculations for you, reducing the need to use the tax tables or manually perform mathematical calculations, thereby reducing the chance for error.
Ohio I-File eliminates the need for you to search through an instruction booklet for help. Now you can simply click on for your line item instructions.
Ohio I-File will speed up your filing process. Once you input your tax information, simply select "I Agree - File My Return" and your tax return is filed with the Ohio Department of Taxation. You will immediately receive a unique confirmation number for your school district return that lets you know you have filed.
Ohio I-File will let you print your return as filed so that you will have a copy for your records. You can return anytime after you file your return until Dec. 1st of the calendar year in which you filed to obtain a copy of your return. You can also save your return to your personal computer if your personal computer has the Adobe Reader tools to support this function.
Ohio I- File is paperless. You do not need to send us a copy of your return or your W-2s unless requested by the department.
Ohio I-File will allow for most refunds to be received in as little as seven to 10 days from the date you file if you choose the direct deposit option.
Ohio I-File allows you to file and pay your school district taxes 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which means increased flexibility for you. In addition, you can prepare and file your school district tax return early in the season, but schedule your payment for any time up to the due date of the tax return of April 17th.
Best of all, Ohio I-File is FREE!
28. What options do I have to receive my refund through Ohio I-File?
You may deposit your refund into three different accounts using any combination of the following four account types:
Direct deposit to an IRA account beginning in tax year 2011.
Direct deposit to 529CollegeAdvantage account administered by the Ohio Tuition Trust Authority for tax year 2011, or
Note: If you select one of the direct deposit options, in most cases you should receive your refund in 7 to 10 business days from the date filed. If you filed your federal return through a paid preparer and received your refund through a refund anticipation loan, do not use the routing and account number provided to you by your paid preparer. If you select the paper check option, you should expect your check to be mailed to you within 30 days.
29. Will I receive a refund if it is less than $1.01?
No. Overpayments of less than $1.01 are not issued.
30. What options do I have to pay my individual income or school district income tax due through Ohio I-File?
Ohio I- File provides three options for paying:
1. Credit card (you will be charged a convenience fee). Our Ohio ePayment system is linked directly to Official Payments Corporation that charges a convenience fee for this option. The Department of Taxation does not receive any portion of this fee.
2. Electronic check.
3. Check or money order made with the IT 40P voucher for the IT 1040 (individual income) return or the SD 40P payment voucher for the SD 100 (school district) return.
If you choose the electronic check payment option, you will be given the opportunity to future date your payment transaction as long as it does not extend past the due date of your return.
31. Ohio I- File has calculated my balance due to be $1.00. Am I required to pay this amount?
No. If a balance due is less than $1.01, payment is not required.
32. What should I do if I cannot pay my tax due when I electronically file my return?
If you cannot pay the amount you owe on your Ohio individual income tax return or your Ohio school district income tax return at the time you are filing, you are given the option to future date your payment up to and including due date of the tax return using an electronic check. You can also file now and pay at a later date prior to the due date of the tax return utilizing your credit card through our Ohio ePayment system. You can enter the ePayment system utilizing the user ID and password established when you filed your return. Any payment made via credit card will be immediately deducted from your credit card. If you do not want to make an electronic payment, you should print an income tax payment voucher Ohio IT 40P to send with your payment at a later date. If you want to pay via check for your school district liability, print the SD 40P payment voucher to send with your payment at a later date.
Please remember that you must file your return by the due date of the tax return to avoid late filing penalties. If you do not pay your balance due you may be subject to penalties and interest imposed by the Ohio Department of Taxation for nonpayment or late payment of your tax liability.
33. Can I still file and pay my taxes through Ohio I-File after the due date of the tax return?
Yes, Ohio I-File will be available for you to use even if you are late in filing your Ohio individual income tax return or Ohio school district income tax return. Please remember that you may be subject to penalties, interest and other fees imposed by the Ohio Department of Taxation for late filing and nonpayment or late payment of your tax liability.
34. Can I file my tax return jointly with my deceased spouse?
Yes. The surviving spouse should be entered as the primary taxpayer in the demographics page. Type the word “deceased” after the first name of the deceased taxpayer. You must file a paper return for a deceased taxpayer if you are the executor or taxpayer representative.
35. What is the due date of the tax return for the current tax year?
The due date for tax year 2011 is April 17, 2012.
