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 2011 Ohio individual income tax forms provide a “tax check-off” option—a blank box on where those receiving a refund can designate an amount of it for donation.
The Ohio Historical Society will use the revenue generated from the tax check-off to create 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. 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.
Please pass the word along to members of your organization(s) and friends. Let’s check-off for Ohio history in 2012!
Photo: tbower/Creative Commons License
