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Property Tax Update: Clermont County is implementing taxpayer credits required by Ohio House Bill 186. To ensure taxpayers receive the full credit, second-half property tax bills will be delayed while levy calculations and system updates are completed. County officials are working with state agencies, lenders, and escrow servicers to minimize confusion. Please monitor official Clermont County communications for updated billing timelines and HB 186 information.
Why are second-half property tax bills delayed?
Clermont County is implementing taxpayer credits required under Ohio House Bill 186 (HB 186). These calculations require software updates and detailed levy-specific adjustments to ensure taxpayers receive accurate tax relief.
What is HB 186?
HB 186 is an Ohio law designed to protect taxpayers from certain unintended property tax increases caused by rising property values and levy calculation mechanics.
Will my second-half bill be lower?
Potentially yes. Many taxpayers may receive a credit or reduction on their second-half property tax bill depending on their school district, applicable levies and valuation changes. School districts affected are Bethel-Tate; Blanchester; Clermont Northeastern; Felicity-Franklin; Goshen; Little Miami; West Clermont; Williamsburg and Great Oaks JVS.
Should I still pay my first-half taxes?
Yes. If you haven’t already done so, first-half tax payments remain unchanged and should be paid as normal.
Why is the County asking lenders to hold escrow payments?
If lenders automatically send estimated second-half payments before HB 186 credits are applied, taxpayers could overpay and later require refunds or escrow adjustments.
Will I be penalized if bills are delayed?
No. Updated due dates will be announced publicly, and taxpayers will have adequate time to make payment once bills are issued.
How will I know my updated amount due?
Updated second-half tax bills will reflect any HB 186 credits and will be mailed once calculations are finalized and made available on the Clermont County Auditor’s website
Who is Clermont County working with?
The County is coordinating with the following to ensure the accurate implementation of HB 186.
- The Ohio Department of Taxation
- Real Estate Software Vendors
- Mortgage lenders and escrow companies
- Local taxing authorities
- State Associations
Where can I get updates?
Please monitor official communications from:
- Clermont County Auditor’s Office
- Clermont County Treasurer’s Office
or contact the offices directly with questions.
Wondering why you’re seeing Clermont County Auditor vehicles or field appraisers in your neighborhood?
Our staff is currently out in the community collecting property data as part of our regular assessment process. The Clermont County Auditor’s Office is responsible for determining the value of every property in the county. This helps ensure fairness and accuracy in property taxation, as required by Ohio law.
🏡 What to expect:
➡️ Appraisers may visit properties that have experienced changes such as new construction, recent sales, damage, or demolition.
➡️ They are simply working to keep property records up to date and accurate.
➡️ Staff will be driving clearly marked Clermont County Auditor vehicles and carrying official identification.
➡️ If no one is available when they visit, they may leave a yellow door card with contact information and details about the visit.
What Local Taxpayers Need to Know
Ohio enacted several property tax reform laws to reduce large, automatic tax increases caused by rising property values. Most changes take effect for Tax Year 2026 (bills paid in 2027), with some credits appearing as early as the second half tax bills for Tax Year 2025
Why This Matters in Clermont County
Clermont County experienced large valuation increases in recent years, which caused sharp jumps in property tax bills often without a new vote by taxpayers. These new laws are designed to slow those increases, add credits, and improve oversight.
Key Laws & What They Do
HB 124 – Property Valuation Process
What changed: Gives County auditors more authority in valuation decisions and clarifies appeal timelines.
What it means for you: Property values are still determined by the Clermont County Auditor, but the process is intended to be more transparent and predictable.
HB 129 – School “20-Mill Floor” Fix
What changed: More school levies are now counted toward the 20-mill floor.
Why it matters: This reduces automatic school-tax increases that used to occur simply because property values rose.
HB 186 – Inflation Cap & Tax Credits
What changed:
• Limits certain school-tax growth to inflation, not property value spikes
• Creates a new Inflation Cap Credit
• Gradually increases the Owner-Occupancy Credit
• Phases out the Non-Business Credit (agricultural land excluded)
What to look for on your bill: A new credit line reducing school taxes if your school district qualifies.
HB 335 – Limits “Inside Millage” Increases
What changed: Caps growth of inside millage (unvoted local taxes within the 10-mill limit) to inflation during reappraisal/update years.
What it means: Taxes funding county, township, and local services grow more slowly and predictably.
HB 309 – Stronger Local Oversight
What changed: Gives the Clermont County Budget Commission more authority to prevent excessive tax collections.
What it means: Another safeguard against collecting more than is necessary.
What This Does NOT Do
- Does not eliminate property taxes
• Does not stop voter-approved levies
• Does not guarantee lower taxes
– It Does reduce spikes, adds credits, and increases oversight
When You’ll See Changes
- Most provisions affect Tax Year 2026 bills (paid in 2027)
• Some credits may appear as early as the second half tax bills for Tax Year 2025 depending on billing adjustments (HB 186 if your school district qualifies)
Bottom Line for Clermont County Taxpayers
These reforms aim to make property taxes more reasonable, more predictable, and less prone to sudden increases, while still allowing voters not valuations to decide when taxes should rise.
For more information, please contact the Clermont County Auditor’s office at 513.732.7150 or lfraley@clermontcountyohio.gov
NOTICE: Effective March 18, 2026, under Avery’s Law, the dangerous dog fee will increase from $50 to $100. For additional requirements and details, please refer to House Bill 247.