COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio homeowners struggling with rising property taxes could see financial relief under a new plan outlined by Governor-elect Amy Acton, who is preparing to take office in January.
Acton has identified property tax reform as a priority for her administration, proposing changes aimed at helping seniors, limiting sudden increases in tax bills, and reducing the financial burden on homeowners across the state.
According to a November 12 report by NBC4’s Katie Millard, Acton’s plan focuses on four major areas of property tax relief.
Expanding Tax Relief for Seniors
One of Acton’s first priorities is expanding Ohio’s Homestead Exemption, which provides property tax relief to qualifying senior citizens, disabled residents, and veterans.
Under her proposal, the annual household income limit for eligible seniors would increase from $41,000 to $50,000.
Acton estimates the change would allow approximately 55,000 additional Ohio homeowners to qualify for property tax assistance.
Up to $1,000 in Rebates for Rising Property Taxes
Acton is also proposing a property tax rebate program designed to help homeowners experiencing significant increases in their annual tax bills.
Under the proposal, homeowners could receive a rebate of up to $1,000 if their property taxes increase by more than 4% compared to the previous year.
To qualify, households would need to earn less than $132,000 annually and own a home valued at $350,000 or less.
The proposal could provide additional financial support for Ohio Valley homeowners who have experienced higher property tax bills following property reassessments.
Reducing the Burden of School Funding
Another major part of Acton’s plan involves changing how Ohio funds public education.
Currently, local property taxes help support public schools, meaning homeowners often carry a significant portion of the financial responsibility.
Acton wants to fully implement Ohio’s bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan, which determines state funding for public school districts based on their individual needs.
Education advocates argue that the state’s continued use of outdated financial data has left public schools underfunded by billions of dollars.
By increasing state support for public schools, Acton hopes to reduce the need for districts to rely as heavily on local property tax revenue.
Protecting Homeowners From Tax Lien Collection Practices
Acton also wants to strengthen protections for homeowners who fall behind on property tax payments.
Under Ohio’s current system, counties can sell unpaid property tax debts to private investors through tax lien certificates.
Those investors can charge interest rates as high as 18%, potentially making it more difficult for struggling homeowners to pay their debts. In some circumstances, unpaid liens can eventually lead to foreclosure.
Acton’s proposal would target collection practices she considers predatory, particularly when they affect vulnerable homeowners.
When Could Homeowners See Changes?
Although Acton has outlined her priorities, the proposed changes are not yet law.
Implementing the reforms will require cooperation from Ohio’s Republican-controlled legislature, particularly when it comes to approving funding.
Acton plans to include the proposed tax rebates and school funding changes in her administration’s first two-year state budget.
The budget proposal is expected by mid-March 2027, with a final budget required by July 1, 2027.
Acton is scheduled to take office January 11, 2027.
For Ohio homeowners, the proposals represent a potential opportunity for financial relief, but the amount of assistance available will depend on which measures state lawmakers ultimately approve.
Source: NBC4 WCMH, Katie Millard, “How Amy Acton plans to tackle Ohio’s property taxes,” published November 12, 2026. Additional information from Acton’s published property tax relief plan.
For more local news and updates affecting Ohio Valley homeowners, visit RiverNews.org.
