Ohio · Commercial Activity Tax, city income taxes
CPA, bookkeeping & fractional CFO services in Ohio
Ohio has a low personal income tax with a business income deduction, the Commercial Activity Tax on larger businesses gross receipts and city income taxes in most municipalities. CPA Torrance is a CPA-led firm based in Torrance, California that provides bookkeeping, tax planning, tax filing and fractional CFO support to Ohio businesses remotely.
- Serving all of Ohio remotely
- Ohio CAT and municipal returns tracked for you
- Monthly reporting included
In short
What is the Ohio Commercial Activity Tax?
The Commercial Activity Tax is an Ohio tax on gross receipts rather than profit. Businesses below a gross receipts exclusion amount do not owe CAT, and that exclusion has been raised significantly in recent years. Ohio businesses and workers may also owe municipal income tax to the cities where they work or operate.
- State income tax
- Low graduated or flat
- State sales tax
- 5.75% + county
- Key business tax
- Commercial Activity Tax, municipal income tax
- How we serve
- Remotely, statewide
Services in Ohio
What we do for Ohio business owners
From Columbus tech and insurance firms to Cleveland healthcare practices and Cincinnati manufacturers, Ohio businesses need state, CAT and municipal taxes handled together. We provide monthly bookkeeping, federal and Ohio tax planning, filings and CFO reporting from one coordinated team.
Bookkeeping Services
- Monthly reconciliations in QuickBooks Online
- Ohio state and county sales tax tracking
- Payroll and contractor payment review
- Monthly profit and loss and balance sheet
- Catch-up and clean-up bookkeeping
Tax Planning & Strategy
- Entity and S corporation review
- Ohio business income deduction planning
- Federal and state estimated payments
- Multi-state income review
- Year-end tax planning meeting
Tax Filing & Compliance
- Federal business returns (1120, 1120S, 1065)
- Ohio IT 1140, IT 4708, CAT and municipal returns
- Owner individual returns
- IRS and state notice help
- Due-date tracking for every filing
Fractional CFO Services
- Cash-flow forecasts
- Budget versus actual reviews
- Margin and pricing analysis
- Lender- and investor-ready reporting
- Growth and hiring plans
Ohio tax planning
Planning around Ohio taxes
Ohio planning combines the business income deduction, the CAT, municipal taxes and federal planning.
Book a 15-min callBusiness income deduction
Ohio lets owners deduct a portion of business income and taxes the rest at a flat rate. We make sure you claim it.
Municipal income tax
Most Ohio cities tax wages and business profits. We file net profit returns where you owe.
CAT threshold
We track gross receipts so you know if and when the CAT applies.
Who we work with
Ohio industries we serve
We work with owner-led businesses across Ohio, with experience in the industries that drive the state economy.
Manufacturing
Job costing and inventory for Ohio manufacturers.
Healthcare practices
Medical and dental practices in Ohio metros.
Logistics and distribution
Freight and warehousing across the state.
Insurance and finance
Agencies and advisory firms around Columbus.
E-commerce sellers
Online brands with Ohio sales tax, inventory and multi-channel books.
Professional firms
Consultants, agencies and law firms billing by the hour, project or retainer.
Why Ohio businesses choose CPA Torrance
Areas we cover
Serving businesses across Ohio
Businesses in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron work in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, insurance and agriculture. CPA Torrance helps Ohio businesses, including those owned from out of state, stay compliant and organized through remote meetings.
- Columbus
- Cleveland
- Cincinnati
- Toledo
- Akron
- Dayton
- Dublin
- Canton
- Youngstown
- Mason
- Video meetings on your schedule
- Secure document portal for statements and returns
- Cloud accounting you can see any time
FAQ
Ohio business tax and accounting questions
Not covered here? A 15-minute call gets you a straight answer for your situation.
What financial services can CPA Torrance provide to Ohio businesses?
We provide monthly bookkeeping, federal and Ohio tax planning, business tax filing and fractional CFO services. Everything runs from one set of books, so your bookkeeper, CPA and CFO advisor work from the same numbers.
Do I owe Ohio municipal income tax?
If you work in or run a business in an Ohio city with an income tax, you likely do. Businesses file net profit returns, and employers withhold city tax for workers.
What is the Ohio business income deduction?
Ohio allows individuals to deduct a set amount of business income and pay a flat rate on the rest, which can lower tax for pass-through owners.
Does my business owe the CAT?
Only if your Ohio gross receipts are above the exclusion amount. We review your receipts each year.
Can CPA Torrance work with Ohio businesses remotely?
Yes. We serve businesses across Ohio, including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, Dublin, Canton, Youngstown and Mason, through video meetings, a secure document portal and cloud accounting you can see any time. Our office is in Torrance, California.
How do I get started?
Book a 15-minute call or request a free financial assessment. We review your books, tax position and systems and recommend the right mix of support for your Ohio business.
Get your Ohio books and taxes in order.
Book a call to review bookkeeping and tax planning for your Ohio business.