An Ohio state tax refund is basically the money returned by the government from an interest-free loan. According to Ohio tax officials, over 90 percent of state tax returns included a refund request. You can make sure that you optimize your tax refund and shorten the time it takes you to get that money in hand by following the steps below.http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/article/ohio_officials_more_filing_early_for_tax_refunds/13086/ 

You can receive your return faster if you file your initial return electronically. Instead of taking weeks, you can get your money in days. You have the option of receiving your refund through direct deposit or by mail with a check. It is advisable to check the Ohio state refund website for more details.http://tax.ohio.gov/divisions/ohio_individual/individual/filefaster.stm 

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 neededhttp://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf 

You must file your Ohio tax return by April 18, 2011 to avoid a penalty. There are several ways to file the return.

1. iFile is a free Internet-based tax preparation form that can be used to electronically file your state taxes.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf 
   
2. 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 on to Ohio.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf 
3. 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.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf
   
4. 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 between 8 and 10 weeks.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf
   

1. If you file a return through the mail, you automatically will get a check mailed to you.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf 
2. 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.http://tax.ohio.gov/divisions/ohio_individual/individual/filefaster.stm
   

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.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf 
2. The Ohio Department of Taxation also has a secure website where you can check on the status of your refund at any time.https://www.tax.state.oh.us/PROD/WheresMyRefundWeb/wheresmyrefund.jsp
   

You must file your Ohio tax return by April 18, 2011 to avoid a penalty. There are several ways to file the return.

1. iFile is a free Internet-based tax preparation form that can be used to electronically file your state taxes.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf 
   
2. 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.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf 
3. 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.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf
   
4. 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 between 8 and 10 weeks.http://tax.ohio.gov/documents/forms/ohio_individual/individual/2010/PIT_IT1040_Instructions.pdf