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Building & Zoning

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1. What is required for Registration?

$5000 bond, Certificate of Liability Insurance, Bureau of Worker’s Compensation Certificate, copy of a license with another entity (State, municipality, etc.).

2. How many sets of drawings are required with a Permit application?

Three sets for commercial (four sets for Marble Cliff); two sets for residential.

3. When do the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Planning Commission meet?

The Board of Zoning Appeals meets at 7:30 pm on the second Wednesday of every month. The Planning Commission meets at 7:00 pm on the third Wednesday of every month. Commissions

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City Attorney

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1. How can I contact the prosecutor if I am issued a ticket in the City of Grandview Heights?

You may call the Clerk of Courts at (614) 481-6205, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.

2. How do I find out what legislation is being discussed by Council?

The Council agenda is posted at least 24 hours in advance of a Council meeting at City Hall and at the public library. It is also circulated electronically to persons who have asked the Clerk of Council to add them to the email contact list.

3. Why do I see a lot of legislation being declared an “emergency”?

“Emergency” is a term of art used in the legislative process, in accordance with state law. In municipalities, legislation may be passed, “declaring it an emergency”, when council must pass legislation that assures that public health and safety standards are maintained in an uninterrupted manner (for example, when negotiating police and fire contracts, contracts for mutual aid with neighboring communities, etc.), or when there is some other compelling reason to do so. Given the number of times that Council can convene and the number of readings that Council tries to have prior to passage, Council attempts to be judicious about what can be reviewed, passed, or enacted relative to deadlines over which it may not necessarily have control.

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Finance Department

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1. Where can I get help with tax questions?

The City is one of over 170 municipalities in Ohio that have established a relationship with the Regional Income Tax Agency, known as (R.I.T.A.), for administering its income tax program. They have a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) section on their www.ritaohio.com website which can be directly accessed from this link. The website also provides information for new taxpayer registration for both individuals and new business registrations. R.I.T.A. taxpayer assistance can also be reached by phone at 1-866-721-7482. When you are seeking additional information related to an issue specific to GVH, please contact Mr. Robert Curtin – who is contracted by the City to serve as its Tax Consultant. He can be reached at 614-939-0194 or rctaxconsulting@insight.rr.com

2. How important is the income tax revenue to Grandview Heights?

The income tax is the largest single source of revenue for the city. In 2009, over 56% of the revenue for the General Operating Fund was received from the city income tax. This revenue is the foundation for providing essential services such as police and fire protection, sanitation services as well as other valuable city programs that make Grandview Heights a desirable community in which to live and work.

3. What is the rate of income tax for Grandview Heights?

Effective July 1, 2010 the income tax rate is 2.50%. The previous tax rate of 2.25% was in effect from January 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.

4. Do I get credit for income taxes paid to other communities?

Generally yes. As of July 1, 2010 the City provides a credit of income taxes paid to other municipalities up to a maximum credit of 2.25% of earned income. The previous credit of 2.0% of income taxes paid to other municipalities expired on June 30, 2010.

5. How do I know to what community I should pay taxes?

The general rule is that you pay local tax first to your city of employment and then to the city of residence. For example, if you work in GVH, your employer must withhold income tax for GVH, or you should be making quarterly estimated taxes if you are self-employed.

If you live in GVH and you work in another jurisdiction with no municipal income tax (or a lesser tax than GVH), you pay income tax based upon where you live. You still pay the lesser city’s rate and the differential would be to GVH. You should have your employer withhold to GVH or else make quarterly tax payments. GVH will give credit for amounts paid to another municipality. Here are a few examples:

(a) Grandview Resident works in Grandview – The employer is responsible for withholding the 2.50% income tax and remitting the monies on behalf of its employees. As a resident you are required to file an annual return to report tax due and the amount withheld by the employer.

(b) Non-Resident works in Grandview – The employer is responsible for withholding the 2.50% income tax and remitting the monies on behalf of its employees. You would need to check with your city of residence to determine if you receive credit for taxes paid to Grandview Heights. If your employer under withheld or you earned income from a non-wage base source then you would be required to file and pay directly to Grandview Heights.

(c) Grandview Resident works in Columbus – Since Columbus has a 2.50% income tax rate, the employer would withhold the 2.50% Columbus tax. Since GVH tax rate is 2.50%, and GVH provides a maximum credit of 2.25% for income taxes paid to another municipality, the resident would then be responsible for the 0.25% difference payable to GVH. In this case the total tax liability to the resident is 2.75%, with 2.50% going to Columbus, and 0.25% benefitting GVH. As a resident you are required to file an annual return to report tax due and the amount withheld by the employer.

6. Where do I obtain tax forms?

Forms are available at the Municipal Building, 1016 Grandview Avenue. The City of Grandview Heights webpage www.grandviewheights.org also provides a link to the R.I.T.A. website noted below. Forms may also be obtained by contacting the Regional Income Tax Agency (R.I.T.A.) at (866) 721- 7482. GVH contracts with R.I.T.A. for income tax processing services. If you are a new business in the area, R.I.T.A. can provide you with a new business owner’s kit or you can register online at www.ritaohio.com.

Forms can also be downloaded from the R.I.T.A. website:
www.ritaohio.com

All residents age 18 and over are required to file unless previously exempted. Retirement and/or social security income is not taxable for city purposes, but receiving a form indicates that your account is active and requires attention. If you have received a form or postcard and do not think that you are required to file, please contact R.I.T.A. 866.721.7482 to discuss your filing requirements.

7. I am the owner of a local business. What are my responsibilities?

Businesses should withhold the appropriate city tax on wages for their employees as part of the payroll process. These withholdings are then paid by the employer to the various cities or their agents.

Also, both unincorporated businesses and incorporated businesses pay income tax based upon where they perform their services. Unincorporated businesses, such as those owned by sole proprietors, are subject to the where you work/where you live hierarchy discussed above in #5. Corporations are only subject to municipal taxes based on the location of their services; they do not have a residential component.

8. When are my city income taxes due?

For individuals and businesses filing on a calendar year (Jan-Dec) basis, April 15 is the due date. For businesses filing on a fiscal year basis the due date is the 15th day of the fourth month following the end of their fiscal year (i.e., October 15 would be the due date for businesses having a June fiscal year-end).

9. My employer withholds city income tax. Do I have to file a return?

Yes, GVH has a mandatory filing requirement for individuals living within the city limits, as well as businesses operating in GVH. If you are not sure if you live within GVH, call the city at (614) 488-3159 and ask about your address. A simple way to determine if you live within GVH is by identifying who picks up your trash or whether you recycle. GVH has white trucks and recycles at no charge.

10. If I only work in GH but do not live here, do I need to file a return?

No, as long as Grandview Heights taxes were properly withheld. Only residents are required to file a return to GVH. You should check with your community of residence for its filing requirements.

11. Do I have to file a city tax return even though I don’t owe any money?

Yes. Under the mandatory filing provisions of the City, all GVH residents over the age of 18 must file a return.

12. I am retired and no longer have earned income from a job. Do I still need to file?

Yes. Those who no longer have wages or another source of earned income (self-employment, rental property, partnership involvement, or farming income) must file a return one time but may request an exemption and to be taken off the tax role. Income from the following sources is not subject to city income tax: Social Security, pensions, dividends, interest, alimony, and gambling.

Receiving a form indicates that your account is active and requires attention. If you have received a form or postcard and do not think that you are required to file, please contact R.I.T.A. 866.721.7482 to discuss your filing requirements.

13. My child is over 18 and works while they are away at college in another city. Must the child file a return and pay taxes?

If your child is still maintaining his permanent or legal residency as GVH, they must file a GVH tax return.

14. We live in Grandview Heights and my child is under 18 and worked during the summer. What are his/her obligations?

If city income tax was withheld, the minor should file a city tax return (Refund Form 10A) to receive a refund. If no city tax was withheld, no return is required. If your child received a form or postcard then their account is active and requires attention. Please complete an exemption form or contact R.I.T.A. 866.721.7482 to discuss their filing requirements.

15. Disclaimer

The above information is a summary and not intended to be a substitute for advice from a qualified tax practitioner. Please contact your accountant or attorney for advice on specific issues.

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Fire Division

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1. How does EMS billing work?

Please refer to the Guide to Emergency Medical Services. Guide to EMS

2. When are you hiring?

Please refer to the Jobs Page. Jobs

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How can I pay for program registration or facility Rental?

We accept cash or check, no credit cards.

2. How is residency defined?

Property owners not residing in Grandview Heights or Marble Cliff do not qualify for residential rates.

3. What is the Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation’s refund policy?

In order to receive a refund (minus a $5 admin fee) you must contact the department office 48 hours prior to the the first program date. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing. Some programs and shelter house rental have a no refunds policy.