TAXATION
Options for state returns
The Ohio Department of Taxation wants people to know that tax-filing season is upon us.
Filers who use the paperless options TeleFile or Ohio I-File can send in returns now. Those who use commercial tax services or software must wait until Jan. 22. More than three in four Ohio taxpayers are expected to file electronically this year. Turnaround time for getting a refund is typically five to seven business days. The state no longer mails tax forms and instructions, but they are available at libraries, banks, post offices and senior centers. The filing deadline is April 15. The phone is 800-282-1780.
state revenues
Ohio sees increase
December was a good month for state tax revenue: It came in nearly 5 percent higher than projected, thanks largely to strong income-tax receipts. Tax revenue totaled $131 million (1.4 percent) above the projection for the first half of the 2013 fiscal year, which ends June 30. Having revenue come in at or higher than the projection should help Gov. John Kasich’s effort to craft his new two-year budget, to be unveiled Feb. 4. Income-tax revenue in December was nearly 8 percent higher than projected, while sales-tax collections were up 1.5 percent.
Compiled from wire reports