Ohio officials share tax tips

COLUMBUS — With the April 15 tax filing deadline approaching, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Securities and Division of Financial Institutions is sharing key tax tips to help Ohioans file accurately, avoid common mistakes and reduce stress. "While tax season can feel overwhelming, a little preparation goes a long way," said Kevin Allard, superintendent of the Division of Financial Institutions. "By staying organized and understanding what to look for, Ohioans can make the process much smoother — and even maximize their returns." Staying organized To avoid errors or missed deductions, officials recommend gathering all necessary documents before filing. This includes: Income forms such as W-2s, 1099s, and other records of wages, freelance work or investment earnings. Deduction-related documents including mortgage interest statements, charitable donation records, and receipts for eligible expenses. Financial statements from banks and investment accounts, as well as copies of previous tax returns for reference. Avoiding common mistakes According to the Division, some frequently overlooked tax issues can impact a taxpayer's return or result in unexpected penalties. These include: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Individuals 73 or older must withdraw a minimum amount from retirement accounts to avoid penalties. 529 Plan Distributions: Taxpayers should ensure that withdrawals used for education expenses are properly documented. Qualified Charitable Deductions (QCDs): Donations made directly from RMDs may reduce taxable income and lower overall tax liability. Protecting against scamsWith tax season comes an increased risk of identity theft and fraud. To stay protected, taxpayers are encouraged to: File early to minimize the chance of fraudulent filings. Be cautious with personal information and avoid sharing sensitive details over the phone or email unless the recipient is verified. Use secure tax filing methods by working with reputable professionals or filing through trusted online platforms. Resources for taxpayers Ohioans can take advantage of various online tools to simplify the filing process, including: IRS Online Tools, which offer calculators, instructional guides, and FAQs. My Social Security Account, where taxpayers can securely access tax documents. Ohio Department of Taxation resources, which provide state-specific filing rules and deduction information. Officials encourage Ohioans to plan ahead for future tax seasons by adjusting withholdings after major life events, contributing to retirement accounts for tax benefits, and staying informed about changes in tax laws. Tax filing resources in Seneca County For Seneca County residents who need assistance filing their taxes, several local resources are available: Local Tax Preparers: Residents can seek professional tax preparation services from firms and independent CPAs in the area. Filing city and village taxes In addition to federal and state taxes, many Seneca County residents must also file local income taxes. In Tiffin, city taxes are managed by the city of Tiffin's Income Tax Department. Residents can file their returns online at mitstaxonline.com/tiffin. Director of Finance Kathleen Kaufman reminds residents that Tiffin city tax returns can only be filed through the city's office or its designated website. "Tiffin Income Tax returns cannot be filed through TurboTax or any similar software," Kaufman said. All Tiffin residents over the age of 18 with earned income are required to file a return, even if no tax is owed. Those under 18 who had local tax withheld from their pay may be eligible for a refund. College students who are dependents of a parent or guardian and are residents of Tiffin must also file a Tiffin return if they have earned income, regardless of where that income was earned. Fostoria residents, meanwhile, must file their city taxes through the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA). The Fostoria Income Tax Office offers guidance and resources for filing. The city of Fostoria Tax Administrator can also electronically file residents' taxes for them if they stop at the city tax office (2nd floor next to the Auditor's office) with their W-2. Fostoria Income Tax Admin/Accts Payable Clerk Kylie Garner said the office is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, with later appointments available upon request. For more information, residents can visit senecacountyauditoroh.gov or contact their local tax office for assistance. Additional tax resources are available at irs.gov and tax.ohio.gov.