High property tax bills in Ohio prompt calls for reform

 - Report!

The Ohio Legislature is poised to move on Real Estate Tax Reform that will bring relief to some homeowners and Ohio residents, but will it be enough to be across the board changes that structurally bring change to the high rate of real estate tax in Ohio?



Here is a link to a lengthy report from the Committee on Real Estate Tax Review and Reform. Some of the recommendations in this report are being considered by the Ohio General Assembly for comprehensive reform on real estate tax. One idea that is being considered is expansion of the Homestead Exemption for seniors, veterans, and the disabled. But, it is young families that are also struggling under the weight of these drastic real estate tax increases over the last 18 months. This also needs to be addressed.

OCA position on the real estate tax problem

Real Estate Tax Reform will be an issue that OCA will work on in 2025 with citizens groups across Ohio. Inflation and the cost of living are bearing down on our seniors, those on fixed incomes, and young families as they struggle to pay for the essentials. The increased real estate tax assessments of the last year have grown between 20% and 30% for most Ohioans. This not only affects homeowners, but rents increase when real estate taxes go up; everyone is affected. And the caps on increases that we seek will benefit everyone.

We will have a 3-pronged approach to the issue: Urging the General Assembly to act to put meaningful real estate tax reform in the budget, working with local officials to enact a self-imposed cap- giving relief to residents, and organizing for a ballot issue if local officials and legislators fail to act.

Residents in Cuyahoga County are sounding off to local officials concerning the outrageous increase in their real estate tax bills that have just been issued. Click on the video below which is a report from WEWS Channel 5 in Cleveland that covered the Saturday meeting as residents sounded off on the issue of real estate tax. Some seniors are being driven from their homes, as they are overtaxed while living on fixed incomes.