All persons earning income in the City, and businesses and residents with taxable income, are required to pay a 2% Municipal Income Tax. The monies collected from the income tax make up over 66% of the City’s annual operating budget. The income tax is essential for the continuation of every service provided to members of the community. These critical services include: fire rescue and emergency medical assistance, police, road and bridge maintenance, snow and ice control, building safety inspections, rental home inspections and numerous support services.

Mentor residents are granted 100% credit for municipal income tax paid to other communities up to 2%. Residents owing tax, other than the tax withheld, must make quarterly tax payments and file an annual municipal income tax return.

In 2008, Mentor City Council passed an ordinance requiring that everyone with earned income must file a Municipal Income Tax Return. Those that are exempt from the mandatory filing must file an exemption form. These include: senior citizens who are retired and receive only a pension. They must file an exemption to show that there are no earned wages; this is a one time filing requirement. Other reasons to file an exemption: you receive social security benefits, you are in the Armed Forces, or you are under the age of 18 and expect a refund.

Watch video Mandatory Income Tax Filing - February 2010

To discuss a tax matter, or request assistance with your 2008 Municipal Tax Return call the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) at 800-860-RITA (7482). You can download municipal income tax forms at http://www.ritaohio.com

RITA maintains a local office at Mentor City Hall, with hours limited to Tuesday and Thursday from 8 – 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

Municipal Tax assistance will also be available every Thursday from February 5 through April 9 at the Mentor Senior Center, 8484 Munson Road. Assistance with the filing of city tax returns and / or exemption certificates will be provided free of charge. No appointment is necessary.

AARP volunteers also provide free Federal and State tax return assistance at the Senior Center. Pre-registration is required by calling (440) 974-5725.

Remember, you can always call Mentor’s Finance Department, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (440) 974-5770 and ask for Shearin Ferguson or David Malinowski.