Ohio Lawmakers Approve Property Tax Exemption Legislation

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon) today announced the Ohio House passed House Bill 66, his legislation that provides more transparency for local property tax exemptions. 

The bill requires the Ohio Tax Commissioners biennial expenditure report to include the evaluation of property tax exemptions. 

“The biennial report is a great tool that provides lawmakers and taxpayers a better understanding of what businesses or individuals are exempt from paying state tax dollars,” said Hoops. “By adding local property tax exemptions to this report, we can get a better understanding of our local tax base, which funds important local services and public education.” 

H.B. 66 also requires the Tax Expenditure Review Committee to periodically review each local property tax exemption to determine if each tax expenditure should be continued, modified, repealed or scheduled for further review at a later time.

“Ohio should have a mechanism to review property tax exemptions and make sure they are used as intended and remain necessary for our citizens,” added Hoops.

The County Auditors’ Association of Ohio, County Commissioners Association of Ohio, Ohio School Boards Association, and Ohio Association of School Business Officials expressed their support for the measure.

H.B. 66 passed with a vote of 98-0. The legislation awaits further consideration in the Senate.