Stephens Testifies in Support of Expanded Owner-Occupancy Tax Relief

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) testified on Wednesday, February 25th, before the House Ways and Means Committee in support of House Bill 673, legislation to expand the owner-occupancy credit to include all property tax levies.

"Any new tax levy imposed after November 2013, and any levy replaced after that date, does not qualify for reduction under the owner occupancy credit," noted Representative Stephens. "House Bill 673 would eliminate this provision by allowing homeowners to receive credit for all levies regardless of when they were last passed or replaced."

Ohio currently offers a 2.5% owner-occupancy rollback and 10% non-business credit on property tax bills. House Bill 186, supported by Stephens and recently passed into law, combines these credits going forward into an enhanced owner-occupancy credit, ramping up to 15.38% in 2029. However, the amount of relief a homeowner will see may differ based on when specific property tax levies were renewed or added.

Stephens referenced numerous tax levies in his House District that have been renewed or replaced since November 2013, including the Ironton Floodwall, which would be reduced on homeowners' tax bills upon passage of House Bill 673.

"The current policy of crediting only certain levies is problematic for county governments to explain and constituents to understand," Stephens stated.

House Bill 673 awaits further consideration by the House Ways and Means Committee.