COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new review by Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber’s office shows that nearly two-thirds of companies receiving tax incentives from the Ohio Department of Development failed to meet their job creation or payroll commitments.
The incentives are designed to encourage business growth by offering tax credits or other benefits in exchange for companies creating a certain number of jobs or maintaining a specific payroll level. However, the audit determined that many companies did not fulfill those agreed-upon requirements.
The findings have now been turned over to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which will review the report and determine whether any additional action should be taken. That could include attempts to recover funds, impose penalties, or change how future incentive agreements are handled.
State officials say the review is part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and protect taxpayer dollars.
No timeline has been announced for when the attorney general’s office is expected to make a determination.
