Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS WAUSEON’S TAX RATE?
Wauseon’s tax rate is 1.5%.
WHAT IS THE DUE DATE FOR THE WAUSEON RETURN?
The due date for filing is April 15th or four months after the end of the fiscal year; if that date falls on a weekend, it will be the first business day after.
I PAY TAXES TO ANOTHER CITY; DO I RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THIS?
Beginning in 2021, you receive credit up to 1% of the taxed wages. 2020 and prior, you received credit up to 1.5% of taxed wages – unless the employer over withheld for the city.
WHO NEEDS TO FILE AN INCOME TAX RETURN?
- Wauseon residents who are 18 years of age or older and have earned income are required to file - even if no tax is due. For tax years 2023 and prior, employed residents 16 years of age or older are required to file an annual return.
- Non-residents who earned income in Wauseon that was not subject to withholding by an employer must file.
- Non-residents who own rental properties or conduct business in Wauseon must file - even if no tax is due.
- Partnerships, limited partnerships, corporations, S-corporations, and associations that conduct business in Wauseon must file - even if no tax is due.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE ATTACHED TO MY RETURN?
You are required to submit copies of any W-2s, Federal 1040 (pgs. 1 &2), Schedule 1, 1099 MISC, Schedule C, Schedule E, Schedule F, gambling winnings, or 4797. If you file and pay tax to another city, you will also be required to submit documentation to receive credit up to 1%.
WHAT INCOME IS NOT TAXABLE?
Interest, dividends, capital gains (losses not deductible), military pay, alimony (payments not deductible), Social Security benefits, workers’ compensation, unemployment or other government allotments, pensions or qualified retirement benefits, section 126 and 129 benefits, non-qualified plan distributions (taxed when deferred on W-2 form), and income from patents or copyrights. Beginning in tax year 2024, income earned by anyone under the age of 18.
MY SPOUSE AND I FILE INDIVIDUAL FEDERAL AND STATE RETURNS; DO WE FILE INDIVIDUALLY WITH WAUSEON?
No – you may file individually or jointly.
I AM RETIRED; AM I REQUIRED TO FILE A WAUSEON TAX RETURN?
If your only earned income is from Social Security, pension, interest, or dividends - you are not required to file. However, you must file a final return stating that you have retired or complete an Individual Registration/Exemption form.
*If you return to work, acquire rental property, farm income, or have any earned income other than retirement income, a tax return would be required - even if no tax is due.*
I AM ATTENDING COLLEGE AWAY FROM HOME; DO I STILL NEED TO FILE AS A WAUSEON RESIDENT?
Yes – unless you have permanently changed your address.
I OWN A BUSINESS; DO I HAVE TO WITHHOLD ON MY EMPLOYEES?
Any individual or business located or conducting business within the Wauseon corporation limits must withhold and remit Wauseon tax. The employer should withhold tax from employees who work or perform services in Wauseon.
IF I FILE A FEDERAL EXTENSION, DOES THAT AUTOMATICALLY EXTEND THE DUE DATE FOR MY WAUSEON RETURN?
No – you must submit a copy of your federal extension or a written request to the City of Wauseon Income Tax Department on or before the original due date of the return.
CAN I RECEIVE AN EXTENSION FOR WAUSEON EVEN IF I DO NOT FILE FOR A FEDERAL EXTENSION?
Yes – you may submit a written request for a City of Wauseon extension on or before the original due date of the return.
IF I FILE AN EXTENSION, DOES MY PAYMENT STILL HAVE TO BE MADE BY APRIL 15?
Yes – filing an extension only extends the amount of time you have to file your return. Your payment is still due on or before the original due date of the return. *Penalty and interest may be charged on payments made after the original due date. *
CAN YOUR OFFICE HELP ME PREPARE MY RETURN?
Yes – we are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bring your federal 1040 tax return and all related schedules, along with your W-2s and 1099s, to our office located at 230 Clinton St.
CAN I E-FILE MY RETURN?
Yes. E-filing is available for individuals through the website or a Tax Preparer’s office with compatible software.
*When E-filing through TurboTax, H & R Block, Free Tax USA, etc, returns DO NOT get sent to the city.
I DID NOT RECEIVE A TAX FORM IN THE MAIL. DO I STILL NEED TO FILE?
Tax returns are no longer mailed. Instead, you should receive a postcard indicating the ways you can file.
I OWE WAUSEON CITY TAXES BUT AM UNABLE TO PAY THE FULL AMOUNT DUE. SHOULD I STILL FILE A RETURN?
Yes – you should file the return on or before the original due date even if you are unable to pay the full amount. You can contact the Wauseon Income Tax Department to set up a payment plan. Bills are sent quarterly for any unpaid taxes which may acquire penalty and interest.
WHERE DO I MAIL MY RETURN?
Wauseon Income Tax Department
230 Clinton St.
Wauseon, OH 43567
WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT OPTIONS?
Our office accepts cash, check, money order, bank account, or credit/debit card.
Checks can be made out to: Commissioner of Taxation or City of Wauseon. *Please include your account number or the last four of your Social Security number on the memo line. *
Online or over-the-phone payments can be made by bank account or credit/debit card.
CAN I FILE AND PAY WAUSEON SCHOOL DISTRICT INCOME TAX WITH THE CITY OF WAUSEON?
NO. School district income tax returns are filed and paid through the State of Ohio. For more information visit www.tax.ohio.gov.