Ohio Faces Widespread Property Tax Burden, Homeowner Delinquencies Surge

Ohio is currently facing a severe property tax crisis that is impacting homeowners across the state, with significant increases in tax bills driven by rising home values and structural issues in the tax system. This crisis echoes a similar situation in the late 1960s that caused school closures and led to the creation of Ohio’s state income tax, which originally aimed to reduce the property tax burden. However, over the years, legislative changes and court rulings have shifted more of the tax pressure back onto property owners, exacerbating financial strain especially on seniors and those with fixed incomes. Recent reassessments have caused home values and property taxes to soar, with delinquency rates climbing as many struggle to keep up, prompting grassroots calls for abolishing property taxes altogether. Despite multiple rulings from the Ohio Supreme Court declaring the school funding system unconstitutional due to its reliance on property taxes, meaningful reform has been limited, although incremental improvements were included in the 2025 budget after extensive legislative debate. The situation remains urgent, with homeowners, lawmakers, and local officials searching for solutions amid growing public frustration and economic challenges.