Ohio Code § 5711.18

§ 5711.18.

In the case of accounts receivable, the book value thereof less book reserves shall

be listed and shall be taken as the true value thereof unless the assessor finds that

such net book value is greater or less than the then true value of such accounts receivable

in money.  In the case of personal property used in business, the book value thereof less book

depreciation at such time shall be listed, and such depreciated book value shall be

taken as the true value of such property, unless the assessor finds that such depreciated

book value is greater or less than the then true value of such property in money.  Claim for any deduction from net book value of accounts receivable or depreciated

book value of personal property must be made in writing by the taxpayer at the time

of making the taxpayer's return;  and when such return is made to the county auditor

who is required by sections 5711.01 to 5711.36, inclusive, of the Revised Code , to transmit it to the tax commissioner for assessment, the auditor shall, as deputy

of the commissioner, investigate such claim and shall enter thereon, or attach thereto,

in such form as the commissioner prescribes, the auditor's findings and recommendations

with respect thereto;  when such return is made to the commissioner, such claim for

deduction from depreciated book value of personal property shall be referred to the

auditor, as such deputy, of each county in which the property affected thereby is

listed for investigation and report. Any change in the method of determining true value, as prescribed by the tax commissioner

on a prospective basis, shall not be admissible in any judicial or administrative

action or proceeding as evidence of value with regard to prior years' taxes.  Information about the business, property, or transactions of any taxpayer obtained

by the commissioner for the purpose of adopting or modifying any such method shall

not be subject to discovery or disclosure.