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1. Send a Message to a Board of Control Member?

Have a question, concern, or compliment for the Mayor or other Members of Board of Control?  

Fill out the Form!  and Submit it to us!

We would love to hear from you,

• Mayor Mike McCann
• City Administrator Ryan Mack
• Law Director Sean O'Donnell
• Finance Director Kim Sprague

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. What is Defiance's tax rate?

Defiance’s tax rate is 1.8%.

2. Can your office help me prepare my return?

Yes. Our office staff will be able to assist you. We are available from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Bring your federal return and all related schedules along with your W-2 and 1099 forms to our office at 631 Perry Street.

3. Who must file an income tax return?

Defiance residents who are 18 years of age or older and have earned income are required to file, even when no tax is due. Non-residents who earned income in Defiance that was not subject to withholding by an employer must file. Non-residents who own rental properties or conduct business in Defiance must file, even if no tax is due. Partnerships, limited partnerships, corporations, S-corporations and associations that conduct business in Defiance must file, even if no tax is due.

4. What income is taxable?

Residents must report all income, including but not limited to sources listed below, whether received as cash or other property, including income derived from sources outside the City of Defiance and/or outside the State of Ohio, from all wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, fees, tips; profits and/or loss from businesses, professions, partnerships, Sub S corps, LLCs or similar business entitles; winnings from lotteries or wagers; sick pay, employer supplemental benefits (SUB pay), and 4797 Profit of Sale.

5. What income is not taxable?

Interest, dividends and capital gains (losses not deductible), military pay and alimony (payments not deductible), Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment and other government allotments, pensions and qualified retirement benefits, section 126 and 129 benefits, non-qualified plan distributions (taxed when deferred on W-2 form), and income from patents and copyrights.

6. My spouse and I file individual federal and state returns, must we file individually with Defiance?

No. You may file either jointly or individually.

7. I am retired - Am I required to file a Defiance tax return?

If your only earned income is from Social Security, pension, interest and dividends, you are not required to file. You must file a final return stating that you have retired. If you return to work, acquire rental property, or farm income, any earned income other than retirement income, a tax return would be required even if no tax is due.

8. I am a business - Do I have to withhold on my employees?

Any individual or business located within or conducting business within the Defiance corporation limits must withhold and remit Defiance tax. The employer should withhold tax from employees who work or perform services in Defiance. Quarterly withholding (less than $200) remittance are due April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15. Monthly withholding ($200 or more) are due on the 15th of each month.

9. If I file a federal extension, does that automatically extend the due date for my Defiance return?

No, you must submit a copy of your federal extension or a written request to Defiance on or before the original due date of the return.

10. If I file an extension, does my payment still have to be made by April 15?

Yes. An extension only extends the amount of time that you have to file. Your payment is still due by April 15 (or the original due date of the return).

11. Where do I mail my return?

Mail your return to:
Defiance City Income Tax
P.O. Box 669
Defiance, Ohio 43512

Tax returns and payments are considered timely filed by the postmark.

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1. Why is my bill unusually high?

For residential customers, both your water and your sewer bill is based on the water meter readings. If you believe your bill is higher than it should be, first check the areas listed below, then contact Utility Customer Service at 419-782-1946.

Do you have a leaky valve on a toilet? Most high consumption problems are caused by leaks in the toilet. To test for a leak, simply place food coloring in the upper tank of your toilet. Wait about five minutes and see if the color shows up in the bowl. If it does, you have a leaking valve that should be replaced.

Do you have faucets that drip? Even a slow drip can waste water and money and should be repaired.

Flow restrictors can be installed in the shower heads to reduce water consumption.

2. What is needed to start up my service?

Renting: You will need to come into the office and provide a copy of the lease, a photo ID and a $200 deposit. Land contracts are considered renting, which will require a $200 deposit. If you purchase the home, we will refund the deposit to you.

Buying a Home: You will need to come in to the office with your paperwork showing your intent to purchase the home or the closing papers.

Also contact: 

• Ohio Gas Company at 419-636-1117
• Toledo Edison Company at 800-447-3333

3. Who is responsible for fixing water leaks?

The City is responsible for any repairs in the system leading up to and including the "curb box." The property owner is responsible for any repairs from the "curb box" to the house or building being served and everything inside.

4. What items are acceptable for recycling?

The following items are acceptable for recycling:

• Aluminum Cans
• Cereal and Other Paste Board Boxes
• Corrugated Boxes
• Junk Mail
• Magazines
• Newspaper
• Paper Grocery Bags
• Plastic Bottles Number 1 and Number 2
• Plastic Jars Number 1 and Number 2
• Steel Cans
• Steel Food Cans

5. What items are not acceptable for recycling?

The following items are not acceptable for recycling:

• Anti-Freeze
• Ceramics
• Glass
• Light Bulbs
• Mirrors
• Oil Containers
• Plastic Bags
• Plastic Grocery Bags (Take to Grocery Store)
• Polystyrene Foam
• Transmission Oil
• Used Motor Oil
• Wet Newspaper

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1. How do I put utilities in my name as a renter?

You will need to come into our office with a copy of your lease, photo ID and a $200.00 deposit. If you have had an address in your name with us in the past and have a deposit on file, we can transfer your deposit to your new address. 

2. What options do I have to pay my bill?

You can pay your bill with cash, check, money order or card. We use ACI Official Payments as our debit/credit card company.