Ohio Senate Passes Bill Updating County Auditor Law

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 496, which makes numerous updates to Ohio's county auditor law. The bill has the support of Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township), who chairs the Senate Ways and Means Committee. 

"This legislation helps our county auditors execute their jobs efficiently while best serving the public," Blessing said.

House Bill 496 requires county auditors to be more specific when providing estimates for proposed property tax levies, such as estimating annual collections of the levy rounded to the nearest dollar, rather than the nearest $1,000. The bill also makes modifications for deadlines for property tax complaints and streamlines the notification process for tax-exempt properties. 

The legislation includes provisions championed by Blessing that prevents property transfers from foreclosure sales if the purchasers owe delinquent property taxes elsewhere in Ohio. 

"We must ensure every Ohioan is up-to-date on their taxes before investing in other properties," said the senator. "This simple change will hold property owners accountable and help our communities thrive."