A grassroots effort to abolish property taxes in Ohio is gaining momentum as supporters work to place a constitutional amendment before voters in November 2026.
The campaign, led by Citizens for Property Tax Reform, seeks to amend the Ohio Constitution to prohibit taxes on real property. If approved, the measure would effectively eliminate one of the primary funding sources for local governments, though public utilities would likely continue to pay property taxes.
To qualify for the ballot, organizers must collect more than 415,000 valid signatures, including signatures from at least 5% of voters in 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties. The deadline to submit signatures is July 1, 2026. Campaign leaders say they intend to gather well beyond the required number to ensure the proposal secures a place on the ballot.
The proposal has sparked significant debate across the state.
Governor Mike DeWine has warned that eliminating property taxes — which account for approximately 65% of local government revenue — would be “devastating” to schools, police departments, and fire services. He cautioned that the state could be forced to dramatically increase sales taxes, potentially approaching 20%, to offset the lost revenue.
Supporters of the amendment argue that rising property taxes have placed an unsustainable burden on homeowners. Some backers contend that instead of raising other taxes, the state should reduce the size of government operations to make up the difference. Campaign organizers have said it is not their responsibility to determine how to replace the lost revenue, maintaining that balancing the budget is the government’s duty.
The property tax debate comes amid broader tax changes in Ohio. Beginning in 2026, the state has transitioned to a flat 2.75% income tax rate.
In December, DeWine signed a package of property tax relief measures aimed at curbing rapid tax increases driven by rising property valuations. The legislative package — House Bills 124, 129, 186, 309, and 335 — is projected to save taxpayers billions of dollars over the next three years by limiting how much increases in property values can automatically raise tax bills. The laws will take effect 90 days after signing.
“These bills bring about meaningful, impactful tax relief that brings about clarity, and no longer will people see the spikes they have seen,” DeWine said during a ceremonial signing at the Statehouse. “This action by the legislature on the bills that I signed was absolutely necessary.”
Meanwhile, the Ohio Senate has also approved additional legislation designed to provide long-term property tax relief, including measures to cap valuation increases.
As the signature drive continues, the proposed constitutional amendment sets the stage for what could become one of the most consequential tax policy debates in Ohio’s recent history.
