Ohio would temporarily cut fuel taxes and require sellers to pass it on

Would set the state tax on gasoline and diesel fuel at one-hundredth of a cent per gallon during a temporary period. The reduced rate would apply to each gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel. Licensed retail dealers and licensed motor fuel dealers would have to pass the full benefit of the reduced rate to buyers. Violations could affect licensing, and the Tax Commissioner could refer them to the Attorney General. The period would start at 12:01 a.m. on the third day after this section takes effect and end at 11:59 p.m. on the date 93 days after it takes effect.

Would let licensed retail dealers apply for payments on fuel sold during the reduced-rate period and require them to remit tax on certain fuel sold afterward. A payment application could cover fuel the dealer had when the period began, or received later, if sold at retail during that period. Later tax would apply to reduced-rate fuel sold after the period. The payment would cover the difference between the tax paid or owed and the reduced rate for qualifying gallons, subject to the Tax Commissioner's review and approval. Dealers would have to apply by February 1, 2027, and remit the later tax by March 1, 2027. Late payment would bring a charge of $50 or 10% of the amount due, whichever is greater. Applications would be due by February 1, 2027, and later tax payments by March 1, 2027.

Would require a retail station to give a buyer an itemized receipt when the buyer asks for one. The requirement would apply to owners or operators of retail stations when a customer buying motor fuel requests a receipt. The receipt would list gallons, the price per gallon before federal and state fuel taxes, each tax amount, and the total charge, with amounts rounded to the nearest cent. The amended section would apply beginning on the seventh day after this section takes effect.

Would set aside state money to replace certain tax revenue and pay $125 for each qualifying retail station. The $125 payment would be for each Ohio retail service station of a licensed retail dealer. The $725 million appropriation would go to funds named in the fuel-tax laws to replace revenue during the temporary reduction period. A licensed retail dealer would have to request the $125 station payment using the Department of Taxation's form. Money left after payments could be used for tax administration. A dealer would have to request station payments by December 1, 2026.