The Ohio Department of Taxation this week announced it will begin accepting 2018 state income tax returns on Jan. 28.

As in past years, some taxpayers will be required to take an ID confirmation quiz. ODT said since 2014 it has used the quiz to help block the attempted theft of more than $600 million by criminals using stolen personal IDs to file fraudulent returns.

Changes from last year’s tax season include:

• An inflation adjusted increase in the maximum deduction for contributions to a Medical Savings Account. The new maximum is now $4,753, up 1.66% from last year.
• Increases to the tax-free contributions to an Ohio 529 plan or to a STABLE account to a maximum of $4,000 per beneficiary.
• An inflation adjustment to the personal exemption and the tax brackets.
• A new deduction for income earned by out-of-state business owners and nonresident employees who conduct disaster work in Ohio during a disaster response period.
• Tax booklet instructions that are shorter and simpler to read and understand.

Ohio taxpayers are encouraged to file online; more than 88% do, and those who are entitled to a refund usually get it in 15 business days or less. Paper returns entitled to refunds typically take 8-10 weeks.

Forms and more information are available at  www.tax.ohio.gov, and assistance is available by phone at 800.282.1780 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.