Multiple US States Discuss Widespread Property Tax Reforms

Property tax reforms and relief measures are gaining momentum across the United States amid rising property tax burdens. In Montana, new laws enacted by Gov. Greg Gianforte offer homeowners tiered tax rates and rebates up to $400, encouraging residents to apply by October 1 to benefit from these changes. Missouri faces controversy over state tax commission directives to increase property assessments by about 13%, with local elected officials pushing back against what they view as inappropriate pressure from unelected entities. Ohio's Mahoning County commissioners express frustration with state inaction on property tax reform amid citizen efforts to place a referendum on abolishing property taxes, highlighting the challenges of replacing lost local revenue. Nationally, states including Florida, Idaho, and others are considering or implementing property tax reductions or repeals, with leaders like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advocating constitutional amendments to eliminate property taxes, while experts caution that significant cuts could impact community services or require raising other taxes. These developments reflect widespread efforts to balance property tax relief with the need to fund essential local government functions.