CLEVELAND — As people get ready to file their taxes, it’s important to know that the online service to file state taxes for free has changed. 

It used to be called “i-file,” now it’s called “OH|TAX eServices.” But there’s more than just the name change. If you had a previous i-file account, that does not carry over to the new system. You have to create a new one.

Many people are unaware that the state offers a way to file state taxes for free.

Instead of using programs like Turbo Tax where you have to pay a fee, you can simply visit tax.ohio.gov and file there.

Director of Professional Development at Step Forward Today, Audrey Taylor, said it’s a simple process.

“We have partnered with the vita program to make sure that we’re able to assist people in our community with filing both their federal and their state income taxes,” Taylor said.

 If people need assistance, they can utilize places like Step Forward Today to get help filing their state taxes.

“We assist them with making sure that their taxes are prepared. We give them a copy of their tax return and then they have an opportunity to look at the e-file,” Taylor said.

Once you get to the state’s website, you click file returns and create your new account. If you wanted to go in person for assistance, Taylor shared how.

“They can do that by calling into our centers or they can request services and we will be able to assist them with getting them an appointment.”

Taylor explained what someone needs to bring with them if they’re getting assistance filing their state taxes.

“Their W2’s, they would need to bring their identification with them, photo ID, they would also need to bring in their social security cards for themselves and anyone in their household,” Taylor said.

There are some exemptions for people who cannot file using the Ohio Tax services. You can look to see who is eligible on the department of taxation’s website.