Currently Passed Property Tax Reform – Fact Sheet

What Local Taxpayers Need to Know

Ohio enacted several property tax reform laws to reduce large, automatic tax increases caused by rising property values. Most changes take effect for Tax Year 2026 (bills paid in 2027), with some credits appearing as early as the second half tax bills for Tax Year 2025

Why This Matters in Clermont County

Clermont County experienced large valuation increases in recent years, which caused sharp jumps in property tax bills often without a new vote by taxpayers. These new laws are designed to slow those increases, add credits, and improve oversight.

Key Laws & What They Do

HB 124 – Property Valuation Process

What changed: Gives County auditors more authority in valuation decisions and clarifies appeal timelines.

What it means for you: Property values are still determined by the Clermont County Auditor, but the process is intended to be more transparent and predictable.

HB 129 – School “20-Mill Floor” Fix

What changed: More school levies are now counted toward the 20-mill floor.

Why it matters: This reduces automatic school-tax increases that used to occur simply because property values rose.

HB 186 – Inflation Cap & Tax Credits

What changed:
• Limits certain school-tax growth to inflation, not property value spikes
• Creates a new Inflation Cap Credit
• Gradually increases the Owner-Occupancy Credit
• Phases out the Non-Business Credit (agricultural land excluded)

What to look for on your bill: A new credit line reducing school taxes if your school district qualifies.

HB 335 – Limits “Inside Millage” Increases

What changed: Caps growth of inside millage (unvoted local taxes within the 10-mill limit) to inflation during reappraisal/update years.

What it means: Taxes funding county, township, and local services grow more slowly and predictably.

HB 309 – Stronger Local Oversight

What changed: Gives the Clermont County Budget Commission more authority to prevent excessive tax collections.

What it means: Another safeguard against collecting more than is necessary.

What This Does NOT Do

• Does not eliminate property taxes
  • Does not stop voter-approved levies
  • Does not guarantee lower taxes
  – It Does reduce spikes, adds credits, and increases oversight

When You’ll See Changes

• Most provisions affect Tax Year 2026 bills (paid in 2027)
  • Some credits may appear as early as the second half tax bills for Tax Year 2025 depending on billing adjustments (HB 186 if your school district qualifies)

Bottom Line for Clermont County Taxpayers

These reforms aim to make property taxes more reasonable, more predictable, and less prone to sudden increases, while still allowing voters not valuations to decide when taxes should rise.

For more information, please contact the Clermont County Auditor’s office at 513.732.7150 or lfraley@clermontcountyohio.gov