Forestland Tax Reduction

 

 

Download ODNR Application


 

The Ohio Forest Tax Law program grants tax reductions for qualified forest tracts. Administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the program taxes forestland at 50% of the local tax rate as long as landowners manage their forestland for the production of timber and other forest products.

 

Qualifications

 

Qualification depends on the following requirements:

  • Forest tract must be 10 or more contiguous acres and no less than 120 feet wide
  • Certified as forestland by the state forester
  • The landowner must follow the provisions of their forest management plan

 

Application Process

 

  1. Download the DNR 4471 form linked above, or contact a local service forester
  2. Print three copies of an aerial photograph of your property with detailed property lines from our online GIS property map. If you cannot print the aerial photographs, please visit our office or contact the Ashtabula/Geauga/Lake Farm Service Agency at (440)-437-6330.
  3. Submit the following to your service forester:
    • A completed application
    • A copy of your most recent property tax bill
    • Three copies of the aerial photographs of your property from the FSA

The service forester will review the property and then mail a copy of your Forest Stewardship Management Plan and three copies of the Ohio Forest Tax Law agreement form. These three forms must be signed and returned to the Service Forester with a $50.00 non-refundable application fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CAUV and OFTL?

Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) reduces property taxes through varying rates based on soil types. The local auditor’s office administers the program. Ohio Forest Tax Law (OFTL) reduces forestland taxes by a 50% rate. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry oversees the program.

I just bought forestland on the program. Do I need to reapply to keep certification?

New owners must reapply. Any change in ownership invalidates the certificate.

Are there any regular inspections?

The Department of Forestry inspects OFTL forestland every five years.

How does forestland lose OFTL certification?

If land use changes, ownership changes, the landowner withdraws their forestland, or if the forestland fails to meet any of the requirements.

Are there any penalties for withdrawing forestland from the program?

No.

Are there any renewal fees?

No. Renewals are not required for the program.

When can I apply?

Anytime.

Contact Us

(P) 440-576-3783

(F) 440-576-3797

auditor@ashtabulacounty.us

Public Records Policy

Our office is located in the county courthouse at
25 W Jefferson St, Jefferson, Ohio.

Contact Us

(P) 440-576-3783

(F) 440-576-3797

auditor@ashtabulacounty.us

25 W Jefferson St, Jefferson, Ohio

Open M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm

Public Records Policy