Clermont County Taxpayers Encouraged to Only Pay First-Half Property Taxes as Ohio House Bill 186 Credits are Calculated
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information:
Clermont County Auditor’s Office
513.732.7150
lfraley@clermontcountyohio.gov
January 30, 2026
Clermont County Taxpayers Encouraged to Only Pay First-Half Property Taxes as Ohio House Bill 186 Credits are Calculated
Clermont County, Ohio – Clermont County Taxpayers are being encouraged to pay only the first half of their property tax bill as the County Auditor works with the Ohio Department of Taxation to calculate and apply legally required tax credits under Ohio House Bill 186 (HB 186).
HB 186, enacted by the Ohio General Assembly, protects taxpayers from unintended tax increases by limiting the growth of certain property levies and requiring adjustments when those limits are exceeded. Because of the timing of the Governor’s approval of House Bill 186 and the complexity of calculating the precise credit amount owed to each taxpayer based upon levy specific data and valuation changes, it was not feasible to accurately apply the credit to the first half tax bills.
To ensure taxpayers receive the full and correct benefit of the law, Clermont County intends to apply the HB 186 credit directly to the second half tax bill. Paying only the first half bill helps prevent overpayment and avoids the need for refunds or billing adjustments that will delay your tax relief.
“House Bill 186 was designed to protect taxpayers from unintended tax increases,” said Linda L. Fraley, Clermont County Auditor. “Encouraging first half payment only ensures taxpayers are not paying more than they owe before the credit is calculated.”
Why This Matters for Taxpayers
- Paying the first-half bill satisfies current payment obligations.
- The HB 186 credit will reduce the second-half bill, ensuring accurate tax relief.
- Avoids overpayment and eliminates the need for refunds.
- Prevents administrative delays and unnecessary taxpayer burden.
- No penalties or interest will apply as long as second-half payments are made by the statutory deadline.
The Clermont County Auditor’s office is currently working with the Ohio Department of Taxation to implement HB 186 as the General Assembly intended to provide meaningful and measurable property tax relief. Taxpayers are encouraged to contact the Clermont County Auditor’s Office with any questions.