Ohio Property Taxes Out of Control?

🏡 Ohio Property Tax Reform: A Call for Change

Property taxes in Ohio have long been a topic of concern for homeowners, particularly as property valuations increase and tax bills follow suit. The Ohio Taxpayer Protection Coalition, a group comprising business and taxpayer organizations including Ohio REALTORS®, is advocating for reforms to address these issues and ensure a fair and sustainable property tax system.

📊 The Current Landscape: Rising Property Taxes

Ohio’s property tax system has faced criticism for allowing tax bills to increase without voter approval. This issue stems from outdated rules, such as the 20-mill floor, which has led to nearly 80% of school districts reaching this threshold. As a result, tax bills can climb unchecked, straining household budgets and taxing some out of their homes.

🏛️ Legislative Efforts: House Bill 186 and Senate Bill 66

To address these concerns, the Ohio Taxpayer Protection Coalition supports several legislative measures aimed at reforming Ohio’s property tax system:

• House Bill 186: This bill seeks to restore fairness to Ohio’s property tax system by limiting the revenue growth school districts can receive from the 20-mill floor to inflation, ensuring that any increases beyond that receive voter approval. This measure aims to prevent unvoted tax increases and provide homeowners with greater predictability regarding their tax bills.
• Senate Bill 66: This measure aims to protect homeowners from unrestrained property tax increases by including emergency, substitute, and income tax levies in the calculation of the 20-mill floor, effectively increasing a school district’s recognized millage and applying tax reduction protections. By making this adjustment, the legislation seeks to provide relief for homeowners and ensure a more balanced property tax system.

🗳️ Grassroots Movements: Citizens for Property Tax Reform

In addition to legislative efforts, grassroots movements are also pushing for change. Citizens for Property Tax Reform, a group based in Cuyahoga County, is campaigning to abolish property taxes statewide through a ballot initiative in the November 2025 election. Organizers must collect approximately 443,000 signatures from voters in at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties by early July to qualify for the ballot. While the group’s opponents argue that reform rather than elimination is necessary, the group insists it does not support defunding public services but rather seeks a new funding mechanism not tied to property ownership.

📈 Economic Implications: High Property Taxes and Economic Growth

High property taxes in Ohio are not only a burden for homeowners but also a deterrent for economic growth. A study by the Ohio Chamber Research Foundation and Ernst and Young found that local tax rates in Ohio exceed those of peer locations for over half of the industries analyzed, with property and local income taxes being key drivers. The study highlighted that property taxes in Ohio’s peer locations were 72% higher than those of the peer locations analyzed across the country. High property taxes not only negatively impact current residents of Ohio but also act as a disincentive for businesses looking to locate in the state.

🔗 Get Involved and Stay Informed

To learn more about property tax reform efforts and stay updated on legislative developments, consider visiting the following resources:

• Ohio REALTORS® Blog: Stay informed about property tax reform efforts and legislative updates.
• Ohio Taxpayer Protection Coalition: Join the coalition and support efforts to reform Ohio’s property tax system.
• Citizens for Property Tax Reform: Learn more about the grassroots movement to abolish property taxes in Ohio.

Conclusion: Advocating for Fair and Sustainable Property Tax Policies

The Ohio Taxpayer Protection Coalition is committed to advocating for policies that allow fair and sustainable property tax regulations. By supporting these legislative measures and grassroots movements, Ohioans can work together to create a more equitable property tax system that ensures homeowners can afford to stay in their homes and that businesses are encouraged to invest in the state.