Representatives David Thomas, Mark Hiner Introduce Property Tax Refund Reform

COLUMBUS, OH — State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Mark Hiner (R-Howard) today introduced House Bill 1022, legislation to streamline property tax refunds and help Ohio taxpayers recover overpayments.

Through House Bill 1022, taxpayers who have overpaid more than $25 would have the ability to request a full refund, including applicable interest, within 60 days of the appropriate certification. The legislation also provides counties with flexibility to refund overpayments, apply them as credits toward future property taxes, or establish installment repayment agreements in certain circumstances. Under current processes, the practice of recovering identified overpayments remain at the discretion of the treasurer’s office, and practices can vary across offices.  

“When an Ohio taxpayer pays more than they owe, they shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary hoops to get their money back,” said Rep. Thomas. “This legislation makes the refund process clearer and gives taxpayers greater certainty that when they are owed a refund, they can get their money back in a timely manner.”

“Ohioans work hard for their money, and government should make it as easy as possible to return money that never should have been collected in the first place,” said Rep. Hiner. 

The legislation requires county treasurers to refund property tax overpayments and allows taxpayers who overpaid more than $25 following a successful property valuation complaint to apply for a refund rather than receive an automatic credit toward future taxes. 

The changes apply to overpayments required to be refunded or credited after the bill’s effective date.