Last month, the City of Cleveland launched a new outreach program to make local income tax filing clearer and more accessible for residents. The FILE initiative — short for Filing Income Locally & Efficiently — is designed to close a longstanding knowledge gap about local tax filing.
The city processes more than 101,000 returns annually. Last fall, the city reached out to more than 25,000 people who did not file their local taxes. They received responses from only about 1 in 5 of those who received letters, according to city spokesperson Tyler Sinclair.
“We know, from previous conversations and taxpayer interactions, that we need to get better at raising awareness in our community on this topic,” Danielle Clark, Income Tax Administrator for the Central Collection Agency (CCA), the regional body that collects local income taxes on Cleveland’s behalf, said in a recent release.
The FILE initiative will include a social media campaign, public service announcements, voice broadcasts, and direct outreach through city council offices.
Live or work in Cleveland? You’re responsible for filing a city tax form
People who live in Cleveland, work in Cleveland, or landlords earning rental income in Cleveland must file a 2025 Individual City Tax Form by April 15.
Yes, you need to file, even if you don’t owe anything
If you had no taxable income or qualify for an exemption, you still need to file. You must submit an Exemption Certificate instead of the full tax form.
Common exemptions include people who are retired (pension/Social Security only), receive only public assistance or disability income, are active armed forces members or have no income at all.
What documents do you need to file?
Before filling out your tax form, have these ready:
- W-2(s) from all 2025 employers
- 1099 forms, if applicable
- Schedule C / 1040, if self-employed or business income
- Schedule E, if rental/supplemental income
How do I file?
Online (eFile with CCA)
Easiest for most people. Auto-calculates what you owe and lets you pay instantly by card or bank transfer. Available 24/7. The online service cannot process refunds. If you have business income (Schedule C) or rental income (Schedule E), you must file in person or by mail.
In person
Get one-on-one help at the CCA offices at 205 W. St. Clair Ave. Walk-ins welcome. Staff can help you file, take your payment, and process a refund request all in one visit. They are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This weekend the office has extended hours on Saturday, April 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
By mail
Print and fill out your form, then mail it to CCA. Payment for taxes owed can be made by check or money order payable to “CCA – Municipal Income Tax.” Make sure your envelope is postmarked by April 15 to avoid a potential penalty. To be safe, request a manual postmark at the post office counter rather than dropping it in a mailbox. Allow extra time for delivery.
By phone (payment only)
If you owe taxes and prefer to pay by phone, call (216)-664-2070 during office hours to pay by credit card. You cannot file your tax form over the phone.
I paid more taxes than I owed. How do I process a refund?
To request a refund, you need to fill out two things: your tax form and a 2025 refund worksheet. You can’t do this online. You’ll need to either mail both forms to CCA or bring them in person to the CCA office.
Once CCA receives your request, they’ll either mail you a check or apply the credit to next year.
Have questions?
More information is available on CCA’s website, and residents with questions can call (216)-664-2070 or email IndividualTax@clevelandohio.gov.
