Ohio could shortly join the increasing list of US states using cryptocurrencies for official payments. Introduced on September 30 by Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani, a measure aims to let citizens utilize cryptocurrencies for paying state taxes, fees, penalties, and other obligations. Should it be accepted, state agencies would have to embrace digital currencies certified annually by the tax commissioner of the state.
According to the measure, government agencies are free to levy extra service fees to handle bitcoin payments. But the measure specifically forbids central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), therefore guaranteeing that the approved cryptocurrencies have a consistent monetary value.
TODAY: I introduced a bill the legalize the use of cryptocurrency to pay state and local taxes and fees. Cryptocurrency is not just the future — it’s the present. I’m proud to be the most pro-cryptocurrency Member of the Ohio Senate. READ: pic.twitter.com/9lpYdkoGWT
— Niraj Antani (@NirajAntani) September 30, 2024
Apart from facilitating tax payments in cryptocurrencies, the law would enable state agencies such as pension funds and colleges to invest in digital assets, hence increasing the influence of cryptocurrencies in Ohio’s financial scene.
Ohio is not first trying to include cryptocurrencies into its tax code. with 2018 Ohio let companies pay their taxes with Bitcoin, however the scheme was discontinued when the State Board of Deposits rejected it. Antani’s bill calls for the acceptance of cryptocurrencies, therefore overcoming this obstacle.
Emphasizing the need of upgrading Ohio’s financial institutions, Antani said that cryptocurrencies are already quite prevalent in the current economy and not merely the future. He believes that the measure is absolutely essential for Ohio to lead in crypto acceptance and creativity.
The idea is under evaluation right now and has to pass Ohio’s legislative procedure before it becomes law. Should it be successful, Ohio will join Colorado as one of the few states allowing cryptocurrency payments for taxes, therefore fundamentally changing the way governments view digital assets.
