*COVID-19 Updates* New COVID-19 CDC Guidelines will be effective on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 for the Civic Center and Rec Center as set forth in Mayor Matthew Burke's Announcement (which you can view on the News page as well as the Mayor's page).* We will continue to monitor recommendations from the CDC, Ohio Department of Health and Governor Mike Dewine during this public health crisis.

Finance Department


 

Finance Department

Barbara Biro, Director

5407 Turney Road

216-475-1504

216-475-3807 (fax)

bbiro@garfieldhts.org

The Finance Department is responsible for developing reports, issuing purchase orders, employee payroll and many other financial functions.

The department monitors the annual budget to ensure that expenditures will not exceed the budget, as authorized by City Council. As the budget is developed, the department is called upon by City Council to provide a breakdown of costs so City Council can decide how to allocate city resources.

Local taxes are processed by the Regional Income Tax Authority (RITA). Forms are available at the Finance Department; the income tax rate in Garfield Heights is 2% with a 100% credit (up to 2%).

The City of Garfield Heights has enacted Chapter 183 – Municipal Income Tax in order to comply with the sweeping changes that the State Legislature enacted, commonly known as House Bill 5.  Therefore, Chapter 183 of the city’s Codified Ordinances becomes effective January 1, 2016 and Chapter 181 will stay in effect for all tax years prior to December 31, 2015.  For more information, please click here.

For more information, please visit:

Regional Income Tax Agency launches state-wide digital taxpayer notification initiative

Brecksville, January14, 2020 - The Regional Income Tax Agency, commonly known as RITA, is beginning a new initiative to notify taxpayers of the upcoming tax filing deadline.

Throughout its history, RITA has typically used direct mail postcards to notify those who live and work in RITA municipalities of the April 15 filing deadline. This year, RITA is launching a digital advertising initiative to specifically reach taxpayers within those 300 plus municipalities, which saves the organization time, saves taxpayers money and helps RITA do its part to save the environment.

“With more people spending time online, the timing was right for us as an organization to adapt and adopt a digital-first mentality when it comes to our communication methods,” Don Smith,RITA Executive Director, said. “And where traditional direct mail allows for just one communication per taxpayer, this digital initiative will allow for multiple touch points with each taxpayer. This is just one of the many ways we’re bringing new efficiencies to the taxpayer through digital solutions,” Smith added.

Additionally, RITA also updated and streamlined its MyAccount platform, which allows taxpayers the ability to electronically file their taxes, update their accounts, send and receive securemessages, make payments and much more all online.

The digital taxpayer notification campaign will begin January 15, 2020.

To learn more about RITA, visit ritaohio.com. For more information, please click here. For media inquiries, please contact Adrienne Sabo at 330-707-2088 or asabo@prodigalcompany.com.

Assistance to Pay Delinquent Property Taxes 

Assistance is available for people unable to pay their property taxes through the Restoring Stability: Save the Dream Ohio Initiative. It is necessary that homeowners have a valid hardship issue to qualify for the program, which is being administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. 

For information or registration, visit www.savethedream.ohio.gov or call 888-404-4674. 

 

Obtaining a Birth or Death Record

The Vital Statistics department closed in 2009 in Garfield Heights.  Vital Statistics are now located at the City of Cleveland, 601 Lakeside Ave., East, Suite 122, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.  Their phone number is 216-664-2317.  They will be able to assist you in obtaining a copy of your certificate.  For more information, please click here.