What is Blue Ash’s tax rate?
Effective January 1, 2007, it is 1.25% on all wages and net profits.



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Who must file?
All Blue Ash residents are required to file a tax return if they are not paying 1% (for tax years prior to 2007) and/or 1.25% (for 2007 and after) or greater tax to another municipality on their entire base compensation. The base compensation includes wages, commissions, tips, deferred compensation, etc. (Pensions, interest and dividends are not taxable.) Residents who have net profits from the operation of a business, profession or other enterprise or activity are required to file each year, even if a loss occurs. Residents also must file if they receive a refund from another city, or if they own rental property with a $3,000 or more gross annual rental that is not taxed by another municipality.

All corporations, unincorporated businesses, professions etc. with net profits derived from sales made, work done or services performed within the City, must file.

Any non-resident individual or business working in the City for 12 days or fewer is exempt from taxation and filing requirements as an “occasional entrant”.

If you have any question on whether or not you need to file, please contact the Tax Office at 513-745-8516, or E-mail BlueAshTax@blueash.com. 



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What is considered taxable wages for employer withholding purposes?
Employers are required to withhold on all “qualifying wages” which are wages as defined in the Internal Revenue Code Section 3121(a), generally the Medicare wage box of the form W-2. Medicare exempt employees are subject to the tax for “qualifying wages” even though that box remains blank. Qualifying wages include, but are not limited to, stock options, deferred compensation and short-term disability payments. 



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When are withholding payments due?
Withholding payments are due monthly on or before the 15th of the month following such withholding. As long as the taxes withheld are less than $300 per month, payments may be made quarterly on or before the last day of the month following the end of the quarter. 



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What is the due date for annual tax returns and/or extension requests?
Annual tax returns are due on or before April 15th or the 15th of the fourth month following the end of such fiscal year. Extension requests must be submitted in writing by the due date of the return. 



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I can’t complete my form in time … can I get an extension?
Any business or individual unable to complete their tax return by the deadline may request an extension by contacting the Tax Office in writing prior to the due date. Extension will not be granted for payment of tax due. Payment of any balance due must accompany a request for extension to file. Penalty and interest are assessed for late filing and payment. Please note that a Federal extension does not apply to Blue Ash taxes -- you must contact the Blue Ash Tax Office. 



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Are estimated payments required, and when are they due?
If your estimated tax liability is more than $100 for any given fiscal year, estimated payments are required. Your first payment is due when filing the previous year’s tax return and then by July 31, October 31 and January 31 for the second, third and fourth quarter payments respectively. 



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If my employer withholds local tax for the municipality within which I work, do I have to file?
It depends on the tax rate that you are paying to another municipality. Since every individual’s tax situation is different, please call our tax office at 513-745-8516 so we can better assess your situation, update our records and prevent unneeded correspondence from our office. 



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What is the purpose of the questionnaire that I receive occasionally?
Since the City of Blue Ash does not require mandatory filing from all of its residents, a questionnaire process is used in lieu of mandatory filing to keep tax records current and to fairly administer the tax ordinance. 



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I own rental property in Blue Ash, what do I need to do?
A landlord questionnaire must be completed and filed with our office. Annual filing is required if the annual rents are equal to or more than $3,000. All owners of rental property are required to notify the Tax Office of any change of tenants and/or vacancy within 30 days of the occurrences. 




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