Senate Passes Blessing Bill Ensuring Payment of Property Taxes

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 186 today, sponsored by Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township), which requires that all delinquent taxes on a property must be paid before it is sold. The bill also requires bidders on a foreclosed property to sign an affidavit stating they are not delinquent on property taxes.

"It is important for Ohio's housing market tax structure stay updated," said Blessing. "When there is a cycle of back taxes owed on a home, the neighborhood's property value decreases. We must ensure our communities thrive by holding property owners who are tax delinquent accountable." 

Senate Bill 186 does not apply to property owned, purchased, or sold by the state or a political subdivision. When back taxes are owed, the purchaser is able to claim that there are special circumstances, including an error or pending litigation, and the officer in charge of the sale to permit or deny the sale after reviewing the claim.

The bill now goes to the House.