OH Taxation Dept

Ohio Income Tax Filing Season Opens January 26, 2026

Ohio income tax filing season opens January 26, 2026 with an April 15 deadline for individual and school district returns. Taxpayers can file free online via OH|TAX eServices with extended phone and chat support available on select Saturdays and weekdays through April 15. USPS mail postmarks may be delayed near the deadline so electronic filing is recommended for timely submissions.

AG Yost Warns of Text Scam Targeting Ohioans with Fake Fines

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and the Ohio Department of Taxation warned Ohioans on March 4, 2026, about a text message scam claiming recipients owe unpaid parking or toll fines. The fraudulent messages include fake court documents and QR codes directing victims to websites to pay supposed fines. The agencies emphasized that the Ohio Department of Taxation will never contact taxpayers by text or social media, threaten lawsuits or arrests, or ask for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Ohio Governor DeWine Proclaims April Fraud Prevention Month

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Fraud Prevention Month in Ohio, emphasizing that prevention, education, strong consumer protections, and public awareness are critical in helping consumers recognize common scams and stay informed of emerging fraud trends. The Ohio Department of Taxation is directing Ohioans to its new Fraud Awareness page, which provides guidance on common fraud schemes including identity theft, tax preparer fraud, social media scams, phishing, QR code scams, and business-related fraud, along with steps victims should take when contacting the Ohio Department of Taxation, IRS, FTC, Social Security Administration, Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section, and major credit bureaus.