BY LISA DONOVAN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
As the countdown begins for Wednesday's state and federal income tax filing deadline, city of Cincinnati officials are thinking April 30.
In preparation for the end-of-April city earnings income tax deadline, tax officials are going to be available this Saturday and April 25 to answer taxpayers' questions about filling out this year's returns.
The Saturday sessions are a first for the bureau, and officials hope they will be a convenient way to assist taxpayers.
"A lot of people can't come in (during the week) because they work, and this will be an added time when they can come in," said Joseph Ciaramitaro, who is temporarily running the city's income tax bureau.
The Saturday sessions come at a time when the bureau has been criticized for practices, including tracking down a free-lance photographer who owed $1.20 in back taxes.
The bulk of those who must pay the city's 2.1 percent earnings tax, including residents or those who work in Cincinnati, have the money automatically deducted from their pay, Mr. Ciaramitaro said.
Last year, an estimated 6,000 taxpayers called the bureau with questions about their returns.
The two Saturday sessions will last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be held at 805 Central Ave., sixth floor.
In addition, the tax bureau will be offering a taxpayer problem-resolution day on May 16, when taxpayers can discuss with tax staff any problems.
For more information about the tax problem-resolution day or to set up an appointment for the Saturday sessions, call the tax division at 352-3838.
