Cuyahoga County Homeowners Face Higher Property Tax Bills Due to 2013 State Law Change

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A 2013 state law change in Ohio has had a compounding impact on driving up property tax bills for homeowners across Cuyahoga County. The law ended the state's 12.5% tax credit on new levies passed after November 2013, shifting the full burden to residential property owners. A cleveland.com analysis found the typical homeowner is now paying at least $100 more per year, and often over $200 more, due to this change.

Why it matters

The 2013 law change was part of an effort by former Governor John Kasich to free up state funds for income tax cuts, but it has placed a significant financial strain on homeowners, especially as property values and new levies have continued to rise in many Cuyahoga County communities. This issue has sparked renewed calls for the state to restore or increase its property tax credits to provide relief to residents.

The details

When schools, libraries, parks and cities pass new levies, the residential property tax bill now falls entirely on the homeowner, as opposed to the previous 87.5%/12.5% split between the homeowner and the state. This change has driven up the typical homeowner's annual property tax bill by at least $100 in nearly every Cuyahoga County community, and often more than $200.

• The state law change occurred in 2013.
• A new law passed in late 2025 will boost the state's tax credit to 15% over the next four years, but homeowners will still pay more than if the old 12.5% credit had remained in place.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Rep. Stephens' bill to boost the state's property tax credit to 15% for all levies has received one committee hearing, but its future remains uncertain. He remains optimistic the proposal will eventually gain support as a way to provide relief to homeowners.