Many state residents are wondering if there are any stimulus checks from 2023 Ohio coming their way. While there are no new stimulus programs announced by the government, you may be able to lower your taxable income through state tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit.

While tax credits won’t result in a direct check, you may get a bigger tax refund if they lower your tax obligation. Read on to learn more about these tax credits, eligibility requirements, and future stimulus checks.

Is There an Ohio State Stimulus Check in 2024?

There are no Ohio stimulus checks planned in 2024. However, you may still be able to get IRS stimulus checks issued during the coronavirus pandemic if you haven’t yet received them. The IRS recently issued a statement that the deadline for non-filers to file their taxes and claim the benefit for the year 2020 is May 17, 2024.

“While there are no stimulus checks in Ohio this year, there are tax incentives to save you money and increase your refund,” offers Teresa Dodson, founder of Greenbacks Consulting and debt expert. 

Ohio Stimulus Check 2023

Other than the Economic Impact Payments issued to those who filed their 2020 taxes, there were no other Ohio stimulus checks issued last year.

However, you can file your income tax returns for the tax year 2023 to take advantage of the state’s tax credits. While Ohio doesn’t have a child tax credit, you can still claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which can help reduce your taxable income and get a larger tax refund.

These tax credits won’t impact your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security benefits, food stamps, or other benefit programs.

How Do Ohio Stimulus Checks Work?

While you won’t get a stimulus check through state tax credits, the benefit reduces the amount of taxes you owe and can increase the amount of refund you receive. Tax credits are not stimulus programs but a credit issued to those with moderate to low income. You must file a state tax return to qualify for the tax credit.

Who Is Eligible for Ohio’s Stimulus Checks?

Here are the eligibility requirements for tax credits in Ohio.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): If you’re an Ohio taxpayer who qualifies for the federal EITC, you’re automatically eligible for the state EITC.
  • Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC): If you’re an Ohio taxpayer who qualifies for the federal CDCTC, you’re automatically eligible for the state CDCTC.

How Much Do You Receive and When?

It’s important to keep in mind that even if you qualify for the tax credits we listed above, you won’t receive an Ohio stimulus check. The credit will be reflected in your state tax returns and will reduce your tax obligation instead.

Here’s the amount of credit you can receive if you qualify:

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (non-refundable): 30% of the federal credit
  • Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (non-refundable): 100% of the federal credit if your family’s adjusted gross income is below $20,000, 25% of the federal credit if your family’s AGI is $20,000 to $40,000.

The maximum amount of claimable expenses for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit is $3,000 for one qualifying dependent and $6,000 for two qualifying dependents or more.

How To Track the Status of Ohio’s Stimulus Checks

Since no Ohio stimulus checks have been issued, you can’t track the status. If the tax credits reduce your taxable income, and you qualify for a tax refund, you may receive it through a paper check or direct deposit.

Once you’ve filed your tax returns, it may take up to eight weeks to get a refund from the Ohio Department of Revenue.

How To Apply for Ohio’s Stimulus Checks

You’ll need to file your taxes and submit them to claim the tax credits. If you have moderate or low income, you can get free tax help through IRS FreeFile, TCE, or VITA.

Check the IRS.gov website for more information on each of these free filing options. You can also use the VITA locator tool to find a VITA site near you.

What To Know About Future Stimulus in Ohio

There haven’t been any updates from the Ohio state government about stimulus programs in the future. While there have been plenty of social media posts about the fourth stimulus check, the information is untrue. 

Get Your Ohio Stimulus Check

While there are no stimulus checks for 2023 in Ohio, you can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing your 2020 tax return. Most people who qualified for the Economic Impact Payments or stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic received them. However, if you’re missing a payment, you can get it by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit by May 17, 2024.

If you’re an Ohio resident, you can also claim the state’s two tax credits to lower your tax liability, depending on your filing status. If you’re facing financial hardship, there are many government resources available for Americans. Start by checking for programs you qualify for on Benefits.gov.