Rep. Stephens Introduces Legislation to Update Ohio's Owner Occupancy Property Tax Credit

COLUMBUS – State Representative Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) recently introduced House Bill 673 to expand the owner-occupancy property tax credit to all levies. 

Currently, property tax levies enacted after the November 2013 general election do not benefit from the owner-occupancy credit. House Bill 673 will update state law to extend the owner-occupancy credit to all levies for owner-occupied homes, regardless of a levy’s passage date. 

“As a former county auditor and as a State Legislator, I understand how complicated property taxes can be,” said Stephens. “Restoring the owner-occupancy credit in full is the next logical step to supporting homeowners and continuing necessary property tax reforms for taxpayers.”  

During his time in office, Stephens has supported and championed a number of property tax reform measures. Recently enacted language modeling Stephens’ House Bill 273 expands the owner-occupancy credit from a 2.5% reduction to a 15.38% reduction over the next four years. Stephens will continue to advocate for legislation that provides direct relief to Ohioans and improves the clarity of the property tax system. 

House Bill 673 has been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.