Filing your Ohio sales tax return is simple with the state’s online system. You can file and pay directly through Ohio Business Gateway or the newer OH|TAX eServices platform, as long as your business is registered to collect and remit sales tax.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of filing online so you can submit returns on time, avoid penalties, and stay compliant with Ohio’s sales tax rules.
What You Need Before Filing
Before filing your sales tax return, you must prepare specific records to ensure your report is accurate. Here are the standard documents required to file a sales tax return in Ohio:
- Ohio Taxpayer Account Number (Sales Tax Permit) – You’re required to provide your Ohio sales and use tax account number to file your sales tax return. Once your registration with the Ohio Department of Taxation is approved, you should receive this documentation via mail. This number can be found on your Ohio Sales Tax Permit document.
- Ohio Treasury Online Account Log-in Details – he primary way to file your Ohio sales tax return online is by logging onto your Ohio Business Gateway account. To access the site, ensure you have your log-in credentials ready (e.g., your username and password).
- Total Sales – Gather your total revenue during the filing period. This includes all sales, whether they’re taxable or not. Even if you currently have no sales records, you’re still required to file a return.
- Taxable Sales – Compile the total taxable sales your business made within the filing period.
- Taxable Purchases – Verify the total amount of taxable purchases your business spent within the filing period. This applies to both in-state and out-of-state transactions.
- Bank Account and Routing Number – The Ohio Business Gateway system supports payments via ACH debit, which is the recommended method. Select which bank account you want to use for paying the due taxes in your report. Prepare your bank details and routing number ahead of time.
- Filing Frequency Schedule – The state assigns a specific due date for every registered business. To find out your designated schedule, you can check your Ohio Sales Tax Permit document.
Step-by-Step: How to File Ohio Sales Tax Online
The Ohio Department of Taxation provides a secure and intuitive platform for filing sales tax returns. The process is a series of steps that guide the user through data entry and payment submission. Step 1. Go to the Ohio ID (OHID) website. Step 2. Enter your Account Credentials: Log in using your username and password. Check your shared email/phone number and input OTP, when applicable.
Step 3. Collect your Ecommerce Sales Tax Data (e.g., Taxes Report from Shopify).
Step 4. On the dashboard, click Department of Taxation / OH Tax Services to access your tax filing options.
Step 5. On the OH Tax Services Dashboard, click File Now, then select No when asked if you have a file to upload for this return.
Step 6. On the tax return form, fill in all the required fields using your Ecommerce Sales Tax Report as a reference. Once done, click Next at the bottom right of the page.
Step 7. Enter the Total Gross Sales for the state, then click Next to proceed.
Step 8. Review all entered data to ensure it matches your Ecommerce Sales Tax Report, then click Next.
Step 9. Select your preferred payment option from the available choices.
Step 10. Provide your payment account information and any other required details, then click Next.
Step 11. Confirm your submission and payment by clicking File My Return.
Step 12. Save the return and/or payment confirmation as proof of successful submission.
Step 13. Save the confirmation in your preferred location for recordkeeping purposes. Keeping online records using Google Drive is a common option.
Helpful tip: If the filing process is interrupted by internet issues, website downtime, or other disruptions. You can always click on “Save and Submit Later” to avoid losing your progress.
Due Dates
The filing frequency and due dates with which a business must file and remit sales tax are determined by the Ohio Department of Taxation and are based on the amount of sales tax collected.
As a general rule, sales tax returns in Ohio are due on the 23rd day of the month following the reporting period. If the due date falls on a weekend or a state holiday, the return is due on the next business day.| FREQUENCY | REQUIREMENT | REPORTING PERIOD | DUE DATE |
| Monthly | Annual liability over $75,000 | Monthly | 23rd day of the following month |
| Quarterly | Accounts with less than $15,000 in quarterly tax liability |
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| Semiannual | Tax liability under $1,200 per six-month period |
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Timely Filing Discount
Some states offer a discount to businesses for collecting, filing, and remitting sales tax on time as an incentive to process sales taxes promptly. In Ohio, the discount rate for sales tax returns filed is 0.75% of the sales tax liability reported on line 6 of the sales tax form (UST-1). This discount is given only if the UST-1 return and the full payment are received by the Ohio Department of Taxation on or before the due dateFiling Amended Returns
If an error is discovered on a previously filed sales tax return, Ohio allows taxpayers to file an amended return to correct the inaccuracies. It is important to distinguish this process from the procedures for amending state income tax returns, which may require paper filing and specific forms.. If an amended return creates an overpayment on the return period, you must complete an Application for Sales/Use Tax Refund (Ohio ST AR). While you can still file the refund application by mail, the Ohio Department of Taxation strongly encourages taxpayers to amend returns and file refund claims electronically through their OH|TAX eServices account. The refund application, along with the amended return and supporting documentation, should be sent to the address listed on the refund application.Filing Zero Returns in Ohio
Ohio law requires that any business with an active sales tax permit file a return for each designated period, regardless of whether taxable sales were made or not. This is to ensure that the Ohio Department of Taxation has a complete record of all business activity and can track periods of dormancy. Failure to file a zero return can lead to penalties and interest charges, as the Ohio Revised Code allows for the collection of fines for returns that are not filed on time, even if there is no tax liability.Other Filing Methods in Ohio
If you’re having difficulties filing your Ohio sales tax return online, you can try other electronic options.- File with the Ohio Department of Taxation – The Ohio Department of Taxation requires most businesses to file and pay sales tax electronically through the Ohio Business Gateway or the newer OH|TAX eServices platform.
- File with Ohio Telefile – This method is only available for certain vendors with a regular county vendor’s license (license numbers starting with 01-88) who are filing for a single county. You can call (800) 697-0440 to use the system. Users should have their account number, reporting period, bank routing number, and bank account number ready before making the call.
- File with TaxHero – Let expert accountants in TaxHero prepare your sales tax returns for you. We’ll take everything off your hands so that you can spend your time more efficiently managing your business.