New bill would give tax deduction to Ohioans who donate to their churches

OHIO, USA — Ohio lawmakers just introduced a bill that will allow people to deduct certain donations to churches from their state income taxes.

House Bill 444 is called the Tithing Protection Act.

"As taxes continue to rise more and more, we're seeing a precipitous drop in the donations, the charitable contributions to our churches, including tithing in general," said bill sponsor State Rep. Josh Williams (R- Sylvania Twp.). "That's leaving our churches financially strained even though they continue to try to provide the resources that, classically, they provided to our communities."

Under the bill, Ohio taxpayers who itemize deductions on their federal tax return would also be able to deduct donations to a church or church association from their Ohio income tax return. Williams said 29