{"id":6594,"date":"2025-06-18T07:45:27","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T11:45:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=6594"},"modified":"2025-06-18T07:45:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T11:45:29","slug":"could-ohio-make-property-taxes-unconstitutional-should-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/could-ohio-make-property-taxes-unconstitutional-should-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Ohio Make Property Taxes Unconstitutional? Should It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office has received a proposal to insert a new Section 14 into Article XII of the Ohio constitution. This proposed amendment seeks to abolish current and future real estate taxes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many months, Ohio\u2019s Butler County and Hamilton County deed holders have been pressing state lawmakers to expand property tax relief. Now, the Ohio Citizens for Property Tax Reform want a constitutional amendment, to end Ohio property tax outright. But does changing the state constitution for something like this make sense? And would it provide relief \u2014 or just kick the financial can to another place down the road?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Just How High Are Property Taxes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As shown by research by Realtor.com<\/em> and discussed by Bankrate, <\/em>last year the median U.S. property tax bill went up nearly 3% year over year, and is now $3,500 annually. Ohio\u2019s taxes are particularly steep. Other states with notably high property taxes are Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you move into any state, check its property tax rate, and then look to the township and find out how they handle taxation. Real estate websites give property tax estimates for each home address. The calculations are based on where the home is and what its value is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that the taxes may be reassessed (nearly always upward) once the deed changes hands. Major home improvements made by the seller can also cause the local tax assessor to raise the property tax rate for a home. How do local tax assessors know when to reassess a property? They have their ways! They track permit requests for major home upgrades. Sometimes they dispatch drones to spot construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many states offer exemptions or rebates for disabled homeowners, seniors and those who have lost their spouses, veterans and people in active duty, and residents with low incomes. And in many locations, those who pay property tax on a primary residence can easily apply for a homestead exemption on a percentage of their home\u2019s worth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DIY tax relief? Learn more about <\/em><\/strong>how not to overpay your property taxes<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, Montana Taxpayers Say They\u2019re Fed Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People in Montana are rebelling against their property tax burden, too. They\u2019re soundly rejecting school funding hikes that have appeared on their ballots. That\u2019s a rarity anywhere in the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As much as they want their local schools to flourish, Montana deed holders report feeling drained by inflation and tax hikes. Across Montana, taxes have typically doubled \u2014 right along with property values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With voters now balking across Montana, conditions are primed for a major property tax revolt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

George Ochenski lays things out in the Daily Montanan<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a $2 billion state surplus the Republican legislative supermajorities and governor had the opportunity to ease the crushing tax burden on homeowners. Instead, they opted to give very generous tax breaks to corporations \u2014 and now they have a tax revolt on their hands. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ochenski points out that the Republicans used to denounce the Democrats\u2019 habit of calling for more taxation. But now, public frustration over tax hikes \u201capplies to both parties.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Possible Pitfalls to Abolishing Property Taxes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Property taxes turn into funding for key local services. Schools, parks, libraries, emergency responders\u2026sidewalks, roads, bridges and tunnels\u2026 All of these projects get funded by property taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no state anywhere in the country, at this time, that doesn\u2019t have property taxes. But it\u2019s the local governments that impose the bulk of property taxes. As property values rise with inflation, the property assessments are hiked accordingly. This can happen annually, or every few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new assessment for a given property can also occur when the deed changes hands. This can take a serious bite out of a household\u2019s finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet, almost everywhere, home buyers want school systems to do well. Good school systems are reflected in the prices sellers can put on their homes. People tend to accept related tax hikes, because they\u2019re essentially good for property values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will ending property taxes yet raising other taxes ease the stress on Ohio households? Probably not. If there are no more property taxes, government would need to hike sales taxes or income taxes to replace lost revenue. Other forms of taxation may lack the dependability of property taxes. So, it can be hard to replace property taxes by other means. Schools and key public services will suffer in the scramble for funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s Next for the Ohio Constitution?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The next steps in the proposed amendment process will look something like these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n