Legislation to Clarify Property Tax Levies Passes House
By Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Manager, Advocacy and Research
Ohio homeowners are one step closer to greater transparency in property tax levies. House Bill (HB) 28, a proposal to help avoid confusion about property tax levy implications, has passed the Ohio House of Representatives and has moved to the Ohio Senate’s committee process.
Ohio REALTORS® supported and provided proponent testimony on this bill during its hearings in the Ohio House, as this bill seeks to eliminate the ability of taxing authorities to present replacement levies to voters. Many Ohioans face confusion about the property tax effects of replacement and renewal levies that appear on the ballot, viewing them as synonymous when, in fact, they function differently.
While constitutional protections against severe tax increases apply to renewal levies, replacement levies do not receive the same treatment, resulting in higher property taxes when property values rise. By removing replacement levies from the ballot, HB 28 makes it easier for voters to understand what they vote for and how it affects their taxes.
Ohio REALTORS® will continue to advocate for the passage of HB 28 through its legislative process in the Senate and will urge lawmakers to support this important measure.
More information about this legislation can be found here:
Ohio REALTORS Testifies on HB 28 to Simplify Property Tax Levies