ODJFS Encourages Employers to File Tax Returns Online 

COLUMBUS, OHIO – In an effort to best protect the identities of millions of working Ohioans, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is encouraging all employers to file unemployment compensation tax returns through the agency’s secure, online Employer Resource Information Center (ERIC). 

“ERIC is Ohio’s web-based computer system that allows employers to securely, confidently and efficiently manage their unemployment tax information,” said ODJFS Director Michael Colbert. “ERIC calculates quarterly taxes automatically. It saves employers time, paper and postage, and it ensures tax information remains confidential.” 

Ohio employers pay unemployment tax on the first $9,000 in wages earned by each employee. For this reason, unemployment compensation tax returns include personal confidential information about each employee. 

Currently, employers who chose not to file online may file paper tax returns or submit their return on portable media devices such as CDs, DVDs or flash drives, provided those devices are encrypted and password-protected. However, beginning on December 31, 2014, ODJFS will no longer accept reports submitted on portable media devices. Instead, ODJFS soon will offer a new option called the Quarterly Wage Reporting Tool (QWRT), which will allow employers to enter all employee and wage information while offline and upload the data when it is convenient.  The QWRT will be available for download later this month. 

ODJFS has customer service representatives available to assist employers who are new to the online filing process. Employers who need assistance should contact the ODJFS Office of Unemployment Compensation at (614) 466-2319, option 1, ext. 22484.