Ohio Lawmakers Proposed Property Tax Refund Process
A new bill seeks to standardize how Ohioans receive refunds for property tax overpayments caused by clerical errors.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Taxes
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Should taxpayers choose whether to receive cash refunds or tax credits for property tax overpayments?
Ohio legislators recently introduced House Bill 1022, which aims to create a uniform, statewide procedure for refunding property tax overpayments. The proposed measure specifically targets overpayments resulting from clerical errors like data entry mistakes or typos.
Why it matters
Current, inconsistent practices have left some taxpayers with credit balances that are difficult to access. This legislation intends to ensure that households across all Ohio counties can reliably recover funds they are owed after an administrative error.
The proposal sets a $25 threshold for taxpayers to request direct refunds after a clerical error is certified. For smaller amounts, counties may opt to issue refunds, apply credits to future bills, or pay out the balance in installments.
The players
Ohio General Assembly
The state legislative body responsible for introducing and voting on bills that affect local property tax administration.
County auditors
Local officials who manage property records, tax assessments, and the processing of refund payments for residents.
The details
Under the proposed framework, taxpayers would have 60 days following the certification of a clerical error to file for a refund. Once the request is validated, county auditors would be required to authorize the payment within 90 days. For overpayments below the $25 threshold, auditors gain the flexibility to manage repayments through methods like two-year installment plans or direct credits. The bill focuses exclusively on administrative processes and would not adjust current property valuations or tax rates.
Timeline
October 2026: House Bill 1022 was introduced in the state legislature.
60 days after certification: Deadline for taxpayers to submit a formal refund request.
90 days after certification: Deadline for county auditors to authorize the refund payment.
Up to two years: Maximum duration for installment repayment plans regarding small overpayments.
Next year: Potential window for the bill to be reintroduced if it does not pass this session.
Money Landscape
This proposal marks a shift toward standardized consumer protections in the state property tax system. It follows a pattern of addressing administrative friction within local government that historically left taxpayers with difficult-to-reclaim credit balances.
If you identify a clerical error on a property tax bill, you should monitor the status of this legislation to see if it simplifies your path to a refund. Consult with a qualified tax professional to review any existing credit balances on your account.
The takeaway
This bill seeks to provide a clear path for reclaiming funds lost to administrative errors. Taxpayers concerned about past overpayments should keep records of any certified clerical errors and discuss potential credit balances with their local county auditor office.
Further reading
For more information on state levies, see our guide to Taxes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC4i.
Live Poll
Should taxpayers choose whether to receive cash refunds or tax credits for property tax overpayments?
