By Dennis Hetzel, Executive Director
The ONA Executive Committee has agreed to support a bill by Rep. Cheryl Grossman, R-Grove City, to require municipalities to have consistent rules and forms for local taxes.
Complex and inconsistent local tax requirements affect many ONA members as well as their employees. In some cases, the cost involved in filling out the form is greater than the tax owed, and a differing form may be required in every place you do business.
According to the municipal tax reform coalition, Ohio has the most complicated local tax system in the U.S. and is one of only 10 states that tax both individuals and businesses. Cities and villages can make their own rules and regulations. Some Ohio businesses must comply with as many as 600 different sets of tax ordinances. Grossman’s proposal standardizes and simplifies a number of local tax procedures.
Grossman expects to introduce her bill in the upcoming legislative session. Other associations that are supporting the measure include the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, several local Chambers, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Association of Realtors and the Ohio State Medical Association.
Click here for a one-page summary of the problem and what the bill would change.
