How to Get Your Ohio State Tax Refund

For some people, preparing state taxes can be a frustrating, complicated process, even if you're eventually expecting to get money back. However, it doesn't have to be. If you follow a few guidelines, finding out how to get your Ohio state tax refund can be relatively painless.
Ohio Tax Refund Tips
1. File early
2. Use tax preparation software or online resources
3. File electronically
4. Request direct deposit
5. Contact the state to determine refund status after three weeks
6. Avoid tax refund loans
Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact your tax professional before using the information presented here.

Introduction
- According to Ohio tax officials, over 90 percent of state tax returns included a refund request. To make sure that you optimize your tax refund and shorten the time it takes you to get that money in hand, Mahalo has prepared the following guide.NBC4: Overpaid taxes mean big refund at a price (March 8, 2009)
Step 1: Prepare Your Taxes
(Creative Commons photo by Gary F Garcia)
- Mahalo's page on how to file your taxes can give you more detailed information on tax filing. However, make sure you have the basics ready to go before you dig in:
1. W-2 form
2. 1099: Contract or temporary employment
3. Bank and investment statements
4. Receipts for business, medical and child care expenses
5. Property tax statements
6. Other documents as needed
Step 2: File Your Taxes
- You must file your Ohio tax return by April 15 to avoid a penalty. There are several ways to file the return.
1. iFile: iFile is a free Internet-based tax preparation form that can be used to electronically file your state taxes. Ohio.gov: Return information Ohio.gov: Tax form instructions
2. E-file: E-file is the IRS' federal electronic refund submission system. If you submit your state tax return through e-file, the IRS will automatically forward it to Ohio.Ohio.gov: Tax form instructions
3. File by phone: Ohio's TeleFile system allows you to file your taxes over the phone. Only select people who get a TeleFile booklet in the mail are eligible to file by phone. The TeleFile phone number is: 800-697-0440. Ohio.gov: Tax form instructions
4. Mail-in tax return: Of course, if you prefer, you can always mail in your tax return. As long as the return is postmarked by the deadline, it will be considered on time. The average processing time to get a refund for a mailed tax return is 8 to 10 weeks.Ohio.gov: Return information
Step 3: Refund Options
(Creative Commons photo by Nic McPhee)
- Depending on which filing method you choose, you have different ways to receive your refund:
1. Bank check: If you file a return through the mail, you automatically will get a check mailed to you.Ohio.gov: Tax form instructions
2. Direct deposit: If you file your return electronically, you can request that your refund be deposited directly into your bank account. According to Ohio's website, direct deposits are processed between 4 and 7 days faster than paper checks.OLT: Ohio refund status
Step 4: Check Refund Status
- Ohio has many ways to check on your state tax refund. The state suggests waiting at least three weeks after filing to inquire about a refund.
1. Call Ohio: You can call a toll free number, 800-282-1784. The number is generally available 24 hours a day.Ohio.gov: Tax form instructions
2. Refund status website: The Ohio Department of Taxation also has a secure website where you can check on the status of your refund at any time.Ohio.gov: Return information
Conclusion

The steps above can help you to get the biggest refund in the smallest amount of time, and can help you to avoid tax refund loans. Experts say that if you double-check your tax return, send it in early, and use online tools when available, you can often get your refund in weeks rather than months.NBC4: Overpaid taxes mean big refund at a price (March 8, 2009) Cleveland Plain Dealer: E-filing is an option to costly refund anticipation loans (February 15, 2009)