Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani has introduced a new bill aiming to legalize the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for state and local tax payments. If passed, the bill will position Ohio as one of the first states in the U.S. to officially recognize cryptocurrency as a valid payment method for taxes and government fees.
A Major Step for Crypto in Ohio
Senator Antani announced the bill on social media, emphasizing the importance of embracing cryptocurrency in today’s economy. He stated, “Cryptocurrency is not just the future, it is the present of our 21st-century economy. If we want to foster innovation and free enterprise in Ohio, we must do everything we can to normalize the use of cryptocurrency. Allowing Ohioans to pay their taxes and fees with crypto will put us at the forefront of technology.”
This isn’t Ohio’s first step toward adopting crypto. In 2018, under the leadership of former State Treasurer Josh Mandel, Ohio became the first state in the U.S. to accept Bitcoin for tax payments. However, the initiative was suspended in 2019 when the state attorney general advised that the policy required approval from the State Board of Deposit. Despite this recommendation, the board has yet to take action.
Building on Past Crypto Initiatives
Referencing Mandel’s earlier efforts, Senator Antani commented, “Former State Treasurer Josh Mandel was a leader in cryptocurrency adoption back in 2018, and Ohioans should thank him for embracing this innovation early on. The State Board of Deposit should have acted when it was necessary, but since they did not, the legislature will now take action.”
If Senator Antani’s bill becomes law, it could open up significant opportunities for cryptocurrency use in Ohio, making it easier for residents to manage their financial obligations using digital assets.
