Mahoning County Auditor could remove exemptions from delinquent property owners

Mahoning County Auditor Ralph Meacham has announced that he may remove property tax exemptions on properties owned by exempt organizations that have not paid their special assessments.

This exemption is provided to certain organizations depending on statutory requirements. In order to obtain the exemption, applicants must file the appropriate application with the county auditor.

The auditor then forwards that application to the Department of Taxation for a review and determination of whether or not to grant the exemption.

Special assessments are charges separate from property taxes that are attached to a parcel's property tax bill. These charges can be assigned by the township or city for things like street lighting, grass cutting, demolition or countywide like the Emergency 911 charge.

Even if you are exempt from property taxes, the Ohio Revised Code states that you still must pay these special assessments.

According to a press release, Meacham is warning any tax exempt property owners who have not paid these special assessments stating that if they do not pay their special assessments by the date second half property tax collection closes, he will remove the property tax exemption.

"Sending this notice confirms that the property is still being used for charitable purposes. Property owners must continue to qualify for the benefits they are receiving in fairness to all taxpayers," Meacham said.