Greetings!
Life changed dramatically this year when Ohio issued a Stay At Home Order in March 2020. Siegel Jennings recognized that the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent state orders would cause an unprecedented, negative economic impact to businesses across Ohio - hotels, restaurants, bars, and retail establishments would be especially hard hit.
With this foresight, and because our firm’s mission is to shape fair law for all taxpayers, Siegel Jennings contacted Ohio’s Lt. Governor Jon Husted requesting specific relief mechanisms. Additionally, we reached out to a number of other interested parties for assistance:
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Siegel Jennings stressed the need to change current law to allow property owners to bring (and for tribunals to consider) COVID-19 related evidence occurring after the January 1st valuation date to demonstrate the devastating impact the pandemic has had on commercial property owners and property values.
- Siegel Jennings contacted the County Auditors’ Association of Ohio and the County Treasurers Association of Ohio asking for support in bringing real property tax relief to Ohioans.
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In the months since, Siegel Jennings has worked with the American Property Tax Counsel (APTC) to bring these concerns in writing to governors of all 50 states.
Since April, we have worked with Ohio legislators to fashion laws providing concrete relief for all Ohio taxpayers. At this time, we believe the Ohio Legislature is close to passing the relief for which we have been advocating the past eight months. This relief will likely be included in Ohio House Bill 38 – Amendment 0449-5. Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano recently voiced his support for COVID-19 relief in Ohio House Bill 751. (Click here for his letter).
In the coming weeks, we hope to announce the passage of this beneficial legislation, which will turn Siegel Jennings’ proposals into law. Timing is critical as so many commercial real estate owners struggle to cover costs and keep Ohioans employed. Complaints to challenge a 2020 tax year valuation of an Ohio property must be filed by March 31, 2021.
Please contact any of the attorneys in our Ohio practice group with any questions by phone at (216) 763-1004 or by email at [email protected]. We appreciate the opportunity to have served you in the past and look forward to continuing our relationship.
Very truly yours,
