Quick Answer: Ohio individual income tax returns for tax year 2025 are due April 15, 2026 — the same day as your federal return. A federal extension automatically extends your Ohio return to October 15, 2026, but it does not extend the time to pay: any tax owed is still due April 15.
Key Ohio Tax Dates for 2026
| Date | What’s Due |
|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | 4th quarter 2025 estimated payment |
| April 15, 2026 | 2025 Ohio IT 1040 return + any tax owed; 1st quarter 2026 estimated payment |
| June 15, 2026 | 2nd quarter 2026 estimated payment |
| September 15, 2026 | 3rd quarter 2026 estimated payment |
| October 15, 2026 | Extended 2025 returns due |
| January 15, 2027 | 4th quarter 2026 estimated payment |
How Ohio Extensions Work
Good news: Ohio keeps it simple. If you file a federal extension (Form 4868), Ohio automatically grants you an extension to October 15 — no separate Ohio extension form is required. Just attach a copy of your federal extension when you eventually file, or note it on your return.
The critical catch: an extension extends the time to file, not the time to pay. If you expect to owe, estimate your 2025 Ohio tax and pay it by April 15, 2026. Otherwise interest (and possibly penalties) accrue from April 15 on the unpaid balance, extension or not.
What If You File Late?
Ohio charges a late-filing penalty plus interest on unpaid tax. Interest accrues from the original due date until the balance is paid in full. If you’re owed a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late — but you’re giving the state an interest-free loan, and you generally must claim refunds within a limited window, so don’t wait years.
School District & Municipal Deadlines
Don’t forget the other Ohio filings riding on the same date: school district income tax (filed on the SD 100, usually with your IT 1040) and most municipal/RITA returns are also due April 15. If you owe any of these, estimate and pay each by its deadline.
FAQs
Is the Ohio tax deadline the same as the federal deadline?
Yes — Ohio individual returns are due April 15, matching the federal deadline in a normal year.
Do I need to file a separate Ohio extension form?
No. A timely federal extension automatically extends your Ohio return to October 15.
Does an extension give me more time to pay?
No. Tax owed is still due April 15; only the paperwork deadline moves to October 15.
What if April 15 falls on a weekend?
The deadline moves to the next business day, following the same rule as the IRS.
Can I still get a refund if I file late?
Yes — late filing doesn’t forfeit a refund, but claim it as soon as you can and within the legal time limit.
This guide is for general information only and is not professional tax advice. Confirm dates with the Ohio Department of Taxation (tax.ohio.gov), as disaster-related postponements can occur.
Is the Ohio tax deadline the same as the federal deadline?
Yes — Ohio individual returns are due April 15, matching the federal deadline in a normal year.
Do I need to file a separate Ohio extension form?
No. A timely federal extension automatically extends your Ohio return to October 15.
Does an extension give me more time to pay?
No. Tax owed is still due April 15; only the paperwork deadline moves to October 15.
What if April 15 falls on a weekend?
The deadline moves to the next business day, following the same rule as the IRS.
Can I still get a refund if I file late?
Yes — late filing doesn’t forfeit a refund, but claim it as soon as you can and within the legal time limit.
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