Filing your Ohio tax return for 2020 may seem overwhelming, but the process becomes easier with the proper guidance. This guide is designed to help individuals, sole proprietors, and small business owners understand each step of the filing process. It draws on official guidance from the Ohio Department of Taxation to ensure accuracy, so you can feel confident that your return is complete and compliant.
For the 2020 tax year, you must file if you are an Ohio resident, a part-year resident, or a nonresident who earned Ohio-sourced income. This includes wages earned in Ohio, income from a sole proprietorship, and certain gambling winnings. Filing on time is vital because it helps you avoid penalties, claim any refund you are owed, and maintain good standing with the state. Even if you qualify for exemptions, there may be reasons to file, such as school district income tax obligations.
Whether you choose to e-file or submit a paper return, knowing the required forms, deadlines, and payment options will save time and prevent errors. This article will walk you through every step—from gathering tax information to tracking your refund—so you can file efficiently. With clear instructions and practical tips, you will be ready to confidently prepare and submit your Ohio return for the 2020 tax year.
The Ohio state income tax for 2020 included several changes that affected who must file and how much tax they owe. Ohio adjusted its tax brackets so that individuals with taxable nonbusiness income of $22,150 or less were not subject to income tax. The year also saw the introduction of new credits and deductions, such as the Lead Abatement Credit and the Ohio Educator Deduction, which can reduce your tax liability if you qualify.
If you lived in Ohio for a whole year or part of a year or were a nonresident who earned money in Ohio, you need to file an Ohio income tax return. This can include money made in Ohio from work, the Ohio lottery or casino games, property in Ohio, or a sole proprietorship or pass-through business that does business there. Certain exemptions apply, but even if your income is below the threshold, you may still need to file for purposes such as the school district income tax.
The regular filing deadline for the 2020 tax year was April 15, 2021, but it was extended to May 17, 2021, to align with IRS changes. If you got an extension, you had until October 15, 2021, to send in your return. It is important to remember that an extension to the filing does not extend the time to pay. Late payments may result in interest and penalties, so plan to pay any balance you owe by the original due date.
The first step in filing your Ohio tax return for 2020 is to use the proper forms. The Ohio IT 1040 is the main form for filing your individual income tax. It shows your income, exemptions, deductions, and credits. You must also file the SD 100 School District Income Tax Return if you live in a school district that taxes its residents. Taxpayers without liability and not requesting a refund may qualify to use the IT-10 form as a simplified option.
Several schedules may be required depending on your situation. Schedule A shows changes to your federal adjusted gross income, such as additions or deductions. Schedule IT BUS applies if you have business income and want to claim the business income deduction. Other standard schedules include the Schedule of Credits for claiming nonrefundable and refundable credits, the Schedule of Dependents for listing dependents, and the Schedule of Withholding to report taxes withheld from wages, gambling winnings, or other income.
Payment vouchers are necessary if you owe tax and submit payment by check or money order. These include the IT 40P for original returns, the IT 40XP for amended returns, and the SD 40P and SD 40XP for school district taxes. You can find these forms on the Ohio Department of Taxation website, by calling 800 282 to request them by mail, or through the Innovate Ohio platform. Always use forms for the correct tax year—do not alter the year on an older form.
Filling out the Ohio IT 1040 correctly ensures your tax return is accurate and processed without delays. Follow these steps to prepare your return, whether you plan to e-file or submit a paper version.
Before starting, collect the following:
If you have business income, complete Schedule IT BUS:
Ohio offers multiple ways to file your 2020 tax return, allowing you to choose the best method. Whether you e-file or submit a paper return, following the state’s requirements is essential to avoid delays.
Filing electronically through the Ohio Department of Taxation or approved tax preparation software offers several advantages:
Options for e-filing include:
If you prefer or need to file a paper return:
Mailing Addresses:
To correct a previously filed 2020 return:
If you owe money on your 2020 Ohio tax return, the Ohio Department of Taxation offers several secure payment options. Choosing the correct method can help you avoid late fees and ensure your payment is processed on time.
Once you file your 2020 Ohio tax return, keeping track of your refund or verifying any remaining balance you owe is essential. The Ohio Department of Taxation provides several tools to help you find this information quickly.
You’ll need:
Typical Processing Times:
Before submitting your 2020 Ohio tax return, review these critical steps for a few minutes. A careful final review can save time, prevent delays, and reduce the risk of penalties.
Suppose you missed the 2020 Ohio tax return deadline without an extension. File as soon as possible to lower the interest and penalties. The penalty for not filing can be very high if you owe money. You won't be penalized for filing late if you are due a refund, but you must file within four years of the original due date to get it.
Many taxpayers qualify for free e-file options through the Ohio Department of Taxation’s Online Services or the IRS Free File program. Eligibility depends on income, age, or military status, and using an approved platform helps ensure your return is filed accurately and securely. Visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website for free filing resources and links to trusted tax preparation software providers.
Commonly missed deductions include the business income deduction, retirement income credit, lump sum retirement credit, Ohio educator expenses beyond the federal limit, and college tuition expenses eligible for the Ohio College Opportunity Credit. Some taxpayers also overlook unreimbursed medical expenses. Reviewing Ohio tax information carefully before filing helps ensure you claim all deductions you qualify for, maximize your refund, or reduce the amount you owe.
Ohio accepts IRS extensions, so you don't need to ask for a separate state extension. If you obtained a federal extension, your Ohio filing deadline is extended to October 15, 2021. Include a copy of your IRS extension form with your Ohio return. Remember that an extension to the file does not extend the deadline to pay, so any balance you owe must be paid by May 17, 2021.
Yes, if you file a joint federal tax return, you generally file a joint Ohio return, even if one spouse moved in or out of the state. In such cases, you may need to allocate income using the part-year resident or nonresident credit to ensure only Ohio-sourced income is taxed. Carefully review the residency rules and complete the nonresident statement if applicable to your situation.
For 2020, temporary legislation treated income earned while working from home in Ohio due to COVID-19 as earned at your regular work location. This rule affected many nonresidents and residents who commuted before the pandemic. Review your W-2 and employer withholding information carefully. If you believe your withholding was incorrect, you may need to file an amended return to adjust your Ohio tax liability.
You must file the SD 100 School District Income Tax Return if you live in a school district with an income tax, even if you don't have to pay the Ohio IT 1040. To be sure, compare your address to the list in the Ohio tax instructions. If you moved between taxing districts during the year, you may have to file multiple school district returns.
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