Deadline for Springfield residents to file taxes is July 15

Springfield residents wait in line to file their city taxes at the Springifeld City Hall Tuesday. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Springfield residents wait in line to file their city taxes at the Springifeld City Hall Tuesday. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

The City of Springfield has extended its hours at city hall on Wednesday as it expects an uptick in those filing and paying their taxes as the original deadline in April was extended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The extended deadline to file and pay federal, state and local taxes is Wednesday, July 15. It is a move that was made by the federal government as well as the State of Ohio to provide some relief to taxpayers dealing with the uncertainty of the pandemic.

In Springfield, the city’s income tax division located in city hall, at 76 E. High Street, will be open to the public longer on Wednesday. That decision was made to accommodate an expected uptick in residents who wish to file their 2019 income tax returns in person.

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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, city hall has been open to the public during limited hours throughout the week. However, on Wednesday it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to aid those trying to meet the filing deadline, said Mark Beckdahl, the finance director for the city.

“If you are a city resident you need to file a return even if the withholding has been done by your employer,” Beckdahl said.

The amount of people allowed at one time in the lobby of the city hall building is 10.

The Internal Revenue Service expects about 150 million returns nationwide from individuals this year. As of the last count, it had received almost 139 million, this news organization previously reported. That’s down about 6 million — or 5.3% when compared to a similar period last year.

In Springfield, its income tax division estimated that about 65% to 70% of residents have already filed their taxes, according Beckdahl

In addition to filing tax returns in person, residents can also mail their returns to the city’s income tax division, using the address for city hall. However, those letters must be postmarked for July 15 by the United States Postal Service, Beckdahl added.

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Those returns can also be delivered to a drop box, usually designated for utility payments, located on South Fountain Avenue near the city hall building.

Taxpayers can prepare or file their tax return electronically if eligible through Tax Connect, with a link located on the city's website springfieldohio.gov/government/finance/taxes.

Taxpayers must file or seek an extension by the new deadline or face a penalty. You can file a federal extension by Wednesday that will be honored by the city. Those who have filed for an extension will have until Oct. 15 to file their taxes, Beckdahl said.

Those who have additional questions are asked to call the city’s income tax division at 937-324-7357.

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