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The Ohio Cat Cs form serves as a vital tool for businesses navigating the complexities of the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) system. This form is specifically designed for taxpayers who are transitioning from the corporation franchise tax to the CAT, particularly those who have unused tax credits from previous years. Since the phase-out of the corporation franchise tax began, businesses have been able to convert certain credits into applicable offsets against their CAT liabilities starting July 1, 2008. The form requires essential information, including the CAT account number, the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Social Security Number (SSN), and the reporting member's details, such as name and address. Additionally, it outlines various tax credits available for claims, including the Jobs Retention Tax Credit, the Qualified Research Expenses Credit, and the Research and Development Loan Payments Credit, each with specific eligibility criteria and carryforward provisions. The form also necessitates the declaration of credits claimed during the reporting period, ensuring that businesses maintain accurate records for compliance. Understanding the nuances of the Ohio Cat Cs form is crucial for any business looking to optimize its tax position while adhering to state regulations.

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CAT CS

Rev. 12/11

P.O. Box 16158

Columbus, OH 43216-6158

Commercial Activity Tax Credit Report

CAT account number (of primary reporting entity)

 

 

 

 

 

FEIN/SSN

 

 

 

Reporting member’s name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Street address (number and street)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

State

 

 

 

ZIP code

 

Period covered (MM/DD/YY)

 

 

 

to (MM/DD/YY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Quarter for which this report is being submitted)

 

 

 

For taxpayers subject to the phase-out of the corporation franchise tax and the phase-in of the commercial activity tax (CAT), 2008 was the last report year for which certain credits were available. For all subsequent years, the credits automatically converted to credits against the CAT and may be claimed beginning July 1, 2008. As such, for CAT periods beginning on or after July 1, 2008, a taxpayer may apply any of the following unused corporation franchise tax credits against the CAT, provided the combined number of carryforward years under the corporation franchise tax and the CAT does not exceed the carryforward period allowed, if applicable. Please see O.A.C. 5703-29-22 contained in information release CAT 2007-03 for more detailed information regarding the CAT credits.

Credit

Reundable or

Revised Code

Carryforward

First Period Credit Can

 

Nonrefundable

Section

Period

Be Used Against the CAT

 

 

 

 

 

Jobs Retention Tax

Nonrefundable

5751.50(B) & 122.171

Three years

Period beginning

Credit

 

 

 

July 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for Qualifi ed

Nonrefundable

5751.51

Seven years

Period beginning

Research Expenses

 

 

 

July 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for R&D

Nonrefundable

5751.52

Unlimited

Period beginning

Loan Payments

 

 

 

July 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for Unused

Nonrefundable

5751.53

Twenty years

2010

NOLs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for Unused

Refundable

5751.53

N/A

2030

NOLs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jobs Creation Tax

Refundable

5751.50(A) & 122.17

N/A

Period beginning

Credit

 

 

 

July 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Jobs Retention Tax

Refundable

5751.50(B) & 122.171

N/A

Period beginning

Credit*

 

 

 

Jan. 1, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

*Sub. H.B. 58 of the 129th General Assembly amended R.C. 5751.50(B) to include a refundable jobs retention tax credit for an eligible business that meets all of the following conditions: (1) retains at least 1,000 full-time equivalent employees at a project site; (2) the company makes payments for a capital investment project of at least $25 million for a specified period of time; and (3) receives a substantial, written offer of financial incentives from another state in 2010. Additionally, the Department of Development must recommend the granting of this credit for the company to the Tax Credit Authority prior to July 1, 2011.

Credit Schedule

(If credits are being claimed by members of a consolidated elected or combined taxpayer group, a separate schedule is required for each entity that is claiming a credit.)

The CAT account number of the entity entitled to the credit may be different than that of the primary reporting entity.

Entity entitled to credit: NameFEINCAT account number

Nonrefundable Credits

A

B

C

D

 

 

 

 

Opening Unused

Credit Earned

Credits Claimed

Closing Unused

During Current

During Current

Credit Balance

Credit Balance

Reporting Period

Reporting Period

 

 

1.Jobs retention credit+

2.Qualifi ed research expense credit

3.Research and development loan repayment credit+

4. Total

 

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Combine with credits being claimed by other entities in group (if any) and carry this forward to line 7 on your CAT return.

+Must attach credit certifi cate received from the Department of Development

Refundable Credits

Must attach credit certifi cate received from the Department of Development

Jobs creation credit

1.

Jobs retention credit

2.

Total of lines 1 and 2 to be carried forward to line 11 of CAT return

3.

Declaration and signature (an offi cer or managing agent of the corporation must sign this declaration)

I declare under penalties of perjury that this report (including any

use any of its money or property for or in aid of or opposition to

accompanying schedule or statement) has been examined by

a political party, a candidate for election or nomination to public

me and to the best of my knowledge and belief is a true, correct

office, or a political action committee, legislation campaign fund,

and complete return and report, and that this corporation has not,

or organization that supports or opposes any such candidate or

during the preceding year, except as permitted by Ohio Revised

in any manner used any of its money for any partisan political

Code sections 3517.082, 3599.03 and 3599.031, directly or

purpose whatsoever, or for reimbursement or indemnification of

indirectly paid, used or offered, consented, or agreed to pay or

any person for money or property so used.

 

 

 

 

 

Date (MM/DD/YY)

Signature of offi cer or managing agent

Title

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact telephone no.

 

 

E-mail

 

 

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Form Purpose The Ohio CAT Cs form is used to report Commercial Activity Tax credits.
Governing Laws The form is governed by Ohio Revised Code sections 5751.50, 5751.51, 5751.52, and 5751.53.
Last Reporting Year 2008 was the last year for which certain credits under the corporation franchise tax were available.
Credit Conversion Credits automatically converted to CAT credits starting July 1, 2008.
Carryforward Rules Unused corporation franchise tax credits can be applied against the CAT, subject to carryforward limitations.
Jobs Retention Credit This nonrefundable credit can be claimed for a period of three years, beginning July 1, 2008.
Research Expense Credit The qualified research expenses credit is nonrefundable and can be claimed for seven years starting July 1, 2008.
Loan Payment Credit The research and development loan payment credit is nonrefundable and has an unlimited carryforward period.
Jobs Creation Credit This refundable credit is available for claims starting July 1, 2008, and has no specified carryforward limit.
Declaration Requirement An officer or managing agent must sign the declaration under penalties of perjury, affirming the accuracy of the report.

Ohio Cat Cs: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the Ohio CAT Cs form is a straightforward process, but it’s important to complete each section carefully. Ensure that you have all necessary information at hand before you begin. Once you have filled out the form, you will submit it to the appropriate state department for processing.

  1. Gather your information: You will need your CAT account number, FEIN or SSN, and the name and address of the reporting member.
  2. Fill in the CAT account number of the primary reporting entity at the top of the form.
  3. Enter your FEIN or SSN in the designated space.
  4. Provide the reporting member’s name and complete street address, including city, state, and ZIP code.
  5. Indicate the period covered by the report by entering the start and end dates in MM/DD/YY format.
  6. For any credits being claimed, complete the relevant sections for nonrefundable and refundable credits, including the opening unused credit balance, credits earned during the current reporting period, and the closing unused credit balance.
  7. If you are claiming credits, ensure you attach any required credit certificates received from the Department of Development.
  8. Sign the declaration at the bottom of the form, confirming the accuracy of your report. An officer or managing agent must sign.
  9. Include the date of signing in MM/DD/YY format, along with the title of the person signing, their contact telephone number, and email address.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Ohio CAT Cs form?

The Ohio CAT Cs form, or Commercial Activity Tax Credit Report, is a document that businesses in Ohio use to report and claim various tax credits associated with the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT). This form is particularly important for businesses that have transitioned from the corporation franchise tax to the CAT, as it allows them to carry forward unused credits from the previous tax system. The form includes sections for listing credits, providing business information, and declaring the accuracy of the report.

Who needs to file the Ohio CAT Cs form?

What types of credits can be claimed using the Ohio CAT Cs form?

What should I do if I need assistance with the Ohio CAT Cs form?

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to include the CAT account number of the primary reporting entity. This number is essential for proper identification.

  2. Not providing the correct FEIN or SSN. Ensure that the number matches the entity's tax records.

  3. Omitting the reporting member’s name. This must be clearly stated to avoid confusion.

  4. Incorrectly filling out the address fields. Double-check the street address, city, state, and ZIP code for accuracy.

  5. Neglecting to specify the period covered by the report. This should be clearly stated in MM/DD/YY format.

  6. Claiming credits without attaching the credit certificate received from the Department of Development. This is mandatory for certain credits.

  7. Misunderstanding the carryforward rules for credits. Make sure you are aware of the limits for each credit type.

  8. Failing to sign the declaration section. An officer or managing agent must sign for the report to be valid.

  9. Not providing a contact telephone number or email. This information is vital for any follow-up or clarification.

  10. Submitting the form without reviewing it for errors or omissions. A thorough review can prevent delays or rejections.

Documents used along the form

The Ohio Cat Cs form is a crucial document for businesses reporting their Commercial Activity Tax credits. Along with this form, several other documents are commonly used to ensure compliance and accurate reporting. Below is a list of these forms and documents, each serving a specific purpose in the tax reporting process.

  • CAT Return (Form CAT 1): This is the primary form used to report the total commercial activity tax due for a reporting period. It includes details on gross receipts and any applicable deductions.
  • Tax Credit Application: Businesses must complete this application to request various tax credits available under Ohio law. This form outlines the eligibility criteria and necessary documentation for approval.
  • Credit Certification: After applying for a tax credit, businesses receive a certification that confirms their eligibility. This document must be attached to the CAT Cs form when claiming credits.
  • Consolidated Tax Return: If a business is part of a consolidated group, this return combines the financial results of all members. It simplifies the reporting process and ensures accurate credit calculations across the group.
  • Jobs Retention Tax Credit Form: This form is specifically for businesses claiming the jobs retention tax credit. It requires details about employment levels and capital investments made by the company.
  • Research and Development Tax Credit Form: Companies claiming credits for qualified research expenses must complete this form, detailing eligible expenses and activities undertaken during the reporting period.
  • Financial Statements: Businesses often need to submit their financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements, to support their tax filings and credit claims.
  • Schedule of Credits: This schedule lists all credits claimed by the business, including unused credits carried forward from previous years. It helps track the credit utilization over time.
  • Declaration of Officer: A signature from an officer or managing agent is required to validate the accuracy of the information submitted in the CAT Cs form and associated documents.
  • Contact Information Form: This form collects the contact details of the business representative for communication regarding tax matters, ensuring that the tax authority can reach the appropriate person for any inquiries.

Each of these documents plays a significant role in the tax reporting process for Ohio businesses. Properly completing and submitting these forms helps ensure compliance with state tax regulations and maximizes available tax credits.

Similar forms

The Ohio CAT Cs form is an important document for businesses that need to report their Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) credits. Several other documents share similarities with the CAT Cs form, primarily in their purpose of reporting tax credits or financial information. Here are six documents that resemble the Ohio CAT Cs form:

  • IRS Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form used in the United States. Like the CAT Cs form, it requires personal and financial information and is used to report credits and deductions that can reduce tax liability.
  • IRS Form 1065: This form is used for reporting income, deductions, and credits for partnerships. Similar to the CAT Cs form, it provides a summary of financial activities and allows for the reporting of various tax credits applicable to the partnership.
  • Ohio IT 1040: This is the individual income tax return form specific to Ohio. It shares the CAT Cs form's goal of reporting tax credits and financial details, allowing taxpayers to claim credits against their state tax obligations.
  • IRS Form 1120: This form is used by corporations to report their income, gains, losses, and deductions. Like the CAT Cs form, it helps businesses report their financial activities and claim applicable tax credits.
  • Ohio Schedule C: This document is used by sole proprietors to report income and expenses. Similar to the CAT Cs form, it allows for the reporting of deductions and credits that can reduce overall tax liability.
  • IRS Form 8862: This form is used to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after it has been disallowed in a prior year. Like the CAT Cs form, it provides a structured way to report eligibility for tax credits, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

Understanding these similarities can help businesses navigate their tax reporting obligations more effectively. Each of these forms plays a crucial role in ensuring that taxpayers can accurately report their financial activities and take advantage of available credits.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Ohio Cat Cs form, it’s important to approach the task with care. Here’s a helpful list of things you should and shouldn’t do to ensure a smooth process.

  • Do double-check your CAT account number and FEIN/SSN before submitting.
  • Do ensure that the reporting period is clearly indicated in the MM/DD/YY format.
  • Do attach any required credit certificates from the Department of Development.
  • Do review the eligibility criteria for any credits you plan to claim.
  • Don't leave any fields blank; all sections must be completed.
  • Don't forget to sign the declaration at the end of the form.
  • Don't mix up the credits; ensure you categorize them correctly as refundable or nonrefundable.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for accuracy and completeness.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate the Ohio Cat Cs form with confidence. Taking the time to prepare properly will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your submission is processed smoothly.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The CAT Cs form is only for large businesses.
  • This form is applicable to all businesses subject to the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT), regardless of size. Small businesses can also benefit from the available credits.

  • Misconception 2: All credits are automatically applied.
  • Taxpayers must actively claim the credits by completing the CAT Cs form. Failure to do so may result in the loss of potential benefits.

  • Misconception 3: The form is only required annually.
  • The CAT Cs form must be submitted quarterly, as it covers specific periods. Missing a quarterly submission could lead to penalties or loss of credits.

  • Misconception 4: Unused credits from the corporation franchise tax cannot be carried forward.
  • Unused credits can be carried forward to offset the CAT, as long as the combined carryforward period does not exceed the allowed limits.

  • Misconception 5: Refundable credits are not available for all businesses.
  • Refundable credits are available, but specific eligibility criteria must be met. Businesses should review these criteria to determine their eligibility.

  • Misconception 6: Only one type of credit can be claimed at a time.
  • Multiple credits can be claimed simultaneously, provided that each is properly documented and meets the necessary requirements.

  • Misconception 7: The form does not require supporting documentation.
  • Supporting documentation, such as credit certificates, is essential for claiming credits. Failure to include these documents may result in denial of the credits.

  • Misconception 8: The deadline for submitting the CAT Cs form is flexible.
  • Deadlines for submission are strict and must be adhered to. Late submissions can lead to penalties or loss of credits, making timely filing crucial.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Ohio CAT Cs form, it is essential to understand several key aspects to ensure compliance and maximize potential benefits. Here are some important takeaways:

  • Eligibility for Credits: The form allows taxpayers to apply unused corporation franchise tax credits against the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) starting from July 1, 2008. Make sure to check which credits you are eligible to claim.
  • Reporting Period: Clearly indicate the reporting period covered by the form. This is crucial for accurate reporting and compliance.
  • Separate Schedules Required: If credits are being claimed by members of a consolidated or combined taxpayer group, a separate schedule must be submitted for each entity claiming a credit.
  • Nonrefundable vs. Refundable Credits: Understand the difference between nonrefundable and refundable credits. Nonrefundable credits can only reduce your tax liability to zero, while refundable credits may result in a refund if they exceed your tax liability.
  • Documentation: Always attach the required credit certificates received from the Department of Development when claiming credits. Failure to do so may result in denial of the credits.
  • Declaration and Signature: An officer or managing agent of the corporation must sign the declaration section. This signature confirms the accuracy of the information provided under penalties of perjury.
  • Keep Records: Maintain copies of the submitted form and any supporting documentation. This will be beneficial for future reference or in case of audits.

By following these guidelines, taxpayers can navigate the Ohio CAT Cs form more effectively and ensure they are taking full advantage of available credits.