Local income tax deadline still April 15

Lorain and other cities are awaiting a possible change to the deadline for filing state and local income taxes.

But for now, that deadline remains April 15, said Lorain Treasurer Terri Soto.

The federal government has extended the federal filing deadline by 90 days to July 15, due to the effects of novel coronavirus.

The state and local tax deadline probably will follow suit, but that hasn’t happened yet.

That has led to confusion about the state and local taxes and inquiries about when to file, Soto said.

“The phone calls have been crazy,” she said.

On March 23, Ohio lawmakers introduced legislation known as House Bill 565, which would make Ohio’s state, local and school district income tax deadline July 15.

But until state lawmakers pass the law, the city treasurer’s office and income tax payers must adhere to the April 15 deadline.

Soto’s office is closed to public foot traffic.

But Soto and her staff continue working.

They can help city taxpayers file their needed records if people drop off the relevant records or send in the information via fax, email or regular mail, she said.

The office staff can assist by phone. Call the treasurer’s office at 440-204-1002.

Taxpayers who owe $200 or more also were required to pay quarterly in 2019, so most, if not all, of their money has been sent in, Soto said.

All that remains for them is to file the return, she said.

Delinquent taxpayers hoping for a deadline extension won’t get one for going to court.

This year, Soto, Law Director Pat Riley and Lorain Municipal Court began summoning delinquent taxpayers to court or face criminal charges.

ZACH SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Lorain City Treasurer Terri Soto holds up tax documents filed at her office.