Commercial Activity Tax Moves to OH|TAX in December

Ohio Department of Taxation sent this bulletin at 09/09/2026 10:00 AM EDT

OH|TAX Prepares to Add Commercial Activity Tax

The Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) is gearing up to go live on the OH|TAX eServices platform, which launches in just three months!  

Currently, CAT returns and payments are submitted through the Ohio Business Gateway (OBG). CAT accounts will transition to the new OH|TAX system on December 7, 2026.

The upcoming release also expands to include several additional taxes: Financial Institutions Tax (FIT), horse racing, kilowatt-hour, motor fuel, and municipal net profit. 

Through OH|TAX eServices, people can file returns, make payments, check refund statuses, and manage their tax obligations all in one convenient place! 

OH|TAX eServices offers:

Complete/secure identity verification

Online filing and payment of taxes

Refund direct deposit for select tax types

The ability to update name and address information

Access to filing and payment history

Electronic delivery and viewing of tax notices

Online responses to notices

Web messaging with tax agents

Real-time screen sharing assistance with ODT

Direct support from an agent through our Live Chat feature

Meet Pilot

Pilot is the OH|TAX eServices virtual assistant.

Pilot is available 24/7 to help answer questions, direct you where you need to go, and be your friendly co-pilot as you navigate our new tax system.

Save time with OH|TAX!

Filing with OH|TAX eServices is fast and secure. You can now file your tax return in just minutes compared to filling out your forms by hand or using other online services.

Check it out today!

📣What people are saying about OH|TAX:

"Best/easiest interface to use for sales tax!"

"I love this site. It's so easy to do!"

"So much quicker and easier than the old way!"

"Seemed too simple - but I love it!"

What’s new?

Instant registration for new and reopening accounts

Credit schedules can be filled out on the electronic return

Excel sheet uploads are available for updating corporate structures

What can you do now to prepare?

Establish an OHID using this OHID link if you do not have one already:

Each filer should have their own OHID login.
If you already have an OHID, use the same login.
If you already have access to the account in OBG, no action is necessary. Existing access will be transferred automatically.
To get started, visit: OHID | Ohio's State Digital Identity Standard

Set up Multi Factor Authentication (MFA):

Provider Network Management (PNM) and OH|ID (ohio.gov)

Vision: To create a seamless and user-centric experience for all Ohio Taxpayers.

Mission: One team providing education, innovation, outreach, and exceptional service to our customers.

Core Values: Collaborate and Innovate; Listen Before Talking and Say Yes Before No; Do the Right Thing the Right Way; Bring A Solution; Embrace Diversity and Inclusion; If it’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing NOW

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by Ohio Department of Taxation.