News

Ohio Historical Society Announces Tax Check-Off Program for 2012

OHS to use revenue generated to create new grant program to support history-related projects throughout Ohio

November 7, 2011

Your state tax refund will now be able to promote and preserve local history!

History advocates have a new and convenient way to demonstrate their support for history and preservation in Ohio.  For the first time, taxpayers will be able to donate a portion of their income tax refund to the Ohio Historical Society.  The program has been on the advocacy agenda of many groups, including the Ohio Local History Alliance, for several years.  Finally, the 2011 Ohio individual income tax forms will provide a “tax check-off” option — a blank box where you can designate an amount of your refund for donation.

The Ohio Historical Society will use the revenue generated from the tax check-off to fund a new grant program to support history-related projects throughout Ohio.  These will include repair or restoration of historic properties, care for historic objects and documents, education initiatives, public programs, and more across the entire state of Ohio.  With the help of local history advocates from across the state, the Society is busy preparing criteria for the grants program, which they expect to be unveiled in the spring.

The Ohio Historical Society income tax check-off was approved as part of the state’s two-year budget that was signed into law by Gov. John R. Kasich on June 30. The Society does not know how much the new tax check-off will generate, but officials estimate it to be at least $200,000 per year.

Remember: tax time is also your time to support local history!