Columbus, OH – The Buckeye Institute submitted a proposed rule change to the Ohio Supreme Court that would allow non-lawyer professionals—specifically public accountants, general and real estate appraisers, real estate brokers, and other persons who hold a designation from a professional assessment organization—to represent property owners before a county board of revision in connection with a property evaluation complaint.

The proposed amendment allows those experts to file the complaint on behalf of homeowners, provide additional evidence or documentation, and represent homeowners at local board of revision hearings. Importantly, the proposed amendment does not allow non-lawyers to represent homeowners in local board of revision appeals to the common pleas court or board of tax appeals. 

“Allowing competent, non-lawyer professionals to assist and further represent homeowners through the first stage of a valuation challenge can significantly reduce costs for taxpayers seeking to reduce their property taxes. Therefore, The Buckeye Institute respectfully requests that the Supreme Court of Ohio adopt the proposed amendment.”

Read the full letter and the proposed amendment.

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