Ohio Property Tax Woes Persist Despite Overhaul

Lawmakers passed major reforms, but homeowners still struggle and a constitutional amendment looms.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Ohio lawmakers have passed a major overhaul of the property tax system, but the issue remains unresolved as homeowners continue to struggle with rising tax bills and a proposed constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes altogether gains momentum.

Why it matters

Property taxes are a major concern for Ohio residents, with many homeowners seeing their tax bills skyrocket in recent years. The state's attempts to address the crisis through legislative reforms have had limited impact, leading to growing frustration and the threat of a ballot initiative that could fundamentally reshape the state's tax structure.

The details

The Ohio legislature passed new legislation last year that provides tax credits and limits future tax hikes, but homeowners are still facing significant financial burdens. Meanwhile, a proposed constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes altogether is gaining traction, with backers working to get the measure on the November 2026 ballot. Lawmakers have additional ideas, but it remains to be seen how much attention the issue will receive this year and whether they can agree on a path forward.

  • The Ohio legislature passed major property tax reforms in 2025.
  • Backers of the constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes are working to get the measure on the November 2026 ballot.

The players

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who signed the legislation providing new credits and limits on future property tax hikes.

Haley BeMiller

A Statehouse reporter for The Columbus Dispatch who has been covering the property tax issue for more than two years.

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What they’re saying

“Property taxes are complicated, and so are the solutions. We'll be watching to see what happens next.”

— Haley BeMiller, Statehouse reporter (The Columbus Dispatch)

What’s next

The proposed constitutional amendment to abolish property taxes in Ohio will need to gather enough signatures to make the November 2026 ballot, setting up a high-stakes showdown over the state's tax structure.

The takeaway

Despite legislative efforts to address the property tax crisis in Ohio, the issue remains a major concern for residents, with a potential ballot initiative looming that could fundamentally reshape the state's approach to taxation. The outcome of this ongoing debate will have significant implications for homeowners and local communities across the state.