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How to File City Taxes

Posted by on March 29, 2012
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How to File City Taxes

Some cities bundle their income taxes with state tax returns, some require entirely separate forms, and some don’t charge an income tax at all.

Everyone knows they have to file federal and – in most cases – state taxes when April rolls around. But what about city income taxes? Do you have to file those too?

For the most part, local taxes are on the same schedule as federal and state taxes, which means they all share the same mid-April deadline. Thus, the best time to take care of them is right after you complete your federal and state returns when you’re already in a state of flow and all the numbers are fresh in your head.

First, figure out which cities you need to file taxes in. The vast majority of people do not owe local income taxes, but you should check the city you live in and then all the cities in which you earn money. In some cases, city income taxes will be withheld from your pay during the year.

Here are some major cities that levy an income tax:

  • New York City taxes every income-earning individual who resides in the city. The tax is collected by the New York State Department of Taxation.
  • In contrast, Los Angeles and Chicago have no income tax (though the Windy City’s budget woes may soon put one on the table).
  • Baltimore and all 23 Maryland counties levy a local income tax that is collected on the state tax return.
  • Most cities in Ohio charge an income tax and large cities like Columbus and Cleveland actually administer local income taxes for much of the surrounding area. A separate form, not your state tax return, is required to collect this tax.
  • Kansas City, MO charges a 1% earnings tax paid by all residents and nonresidents who work in the city. You can file online directly with the city.

As you can see, city tax situations vary widely. Some cities administer their taxes through the state tax return, some require separate forms you have to find and fill out, and still, others allow you to pay your city taxes easily online.

Unfortunately, many online tax filing services, including PriorTax, do not allow you to file city taxes individually. With PriorTax, for example, you can only file city taxes that are collected through the state tax return. New York City and Baltimore residents, for example, would be able to file their city taxes.

If you still need to file your 2010 taxes we’ll be happy to help you. But when it comes to city taxes that require a separate form, you’re on your own.

Photo via ZeroOne on Flickr.

14 Responses to “How to File City Taxes”

  1. Debbie says:

    so confused I filed my federal and state taxes.. but can not find any information on my Local/city taxes… Do I have to file if I live in NYC/Manhaten

    • admin says:

      Hi Debbie,

      You’ll see on your W-2 that NYC/Manhattan taxes were withheld from your income. However, you only need to file a state tax return for NY and these amounts will be accounted for. There is not a separate tax return that you would file specifically for NYC/Manhattan.

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  3. rob says:

    my wife and I live in Cleveland oh and were trying to figure out how to file city taxes been at this for 2-3 days now and I cant find out where to go get it filed… if someone could please help it would be greatly appreciated

  4. Julia says:

    I have a couple hundred dollar refund from the city. I did not send in the form, is it too late?

    • admin says:

      You generally have up to 3 years to claim your refund from the original date that your tax return forms are due,

  5. Julia says:

    I have a refund from my city taxes, is it too late to send in?

    • admin says:

      When it comes to claiming a refund for your taxes paid, generally you have 3 years from the original date to file your return to receive a refund.

  6. Von says:

    Hi, I live in Saginaw MI but work in Bay City, MI do I have to file city taxes?

  7. Theresa A Lando says:

    I live in Harrison but i work in Detroit do i have to file city taxes for Detroit, and if i do how do i

    • admin says:

      Theresa,
      Many people do not owe local income taxes, but you should check the city you live in and then all the cities in which you earn money. In some cases, city income taxes will be withheld from your pay during the year. With PriorTax, you can only file city taxes that are collected through the state tax return.

  8. Lois Lawson says:

    I live in Hamilton, my company is in Blue Ash and I work as a daycare worker and work in 4 different cities. Do I file city taxes and to who?

  9. Mariana Bernui says:

    I have lived in Philadelphia for ten years and now live in Conshohocken, PA. I actually arrived here to complete a doctoral program and no one ever told me I had to file a city tax return. I know I have been paying all my taxes and I do have a city income tax withheld, but never filed any paperwork for it. Is that bad? Should I be filing city tax paperwork as well? I cannot find anything that pertains to me when I look for how to file city taxes.

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