Ohio Board Approval May Pave Way for Bitcoin Payments for State Fees and Services

• Ohio now accepts crypto for state fees

• Vendor approval completes months-long rollout led by Secretary LaRose and Treasurer Sprague.

• Policy context: House bills and reserve proposals advancing; 47 states have SBR legislation on record (Bitcoin Laws tracker).

Ohio crypto payments now accepted for state fees and services—learn how to pay with Bitcoin and what it means for public finance. Read more from COINOTAG.

What are Ohio crypto payments and who approved them?

Ohio crypto payments are state-authorized transactions that let citizens pay fees and services with cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. The Ohio State Board of Deposit unanimously approved a vendor to process these payments after proposals from Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Treasurer Robert Sprague completed months of preparation.

How will Bitcoin payments in Ohio be processed and rolled out?

The approved vendor will integrate crypto payment rails into state fee systems. Initial deployment covers routine state transactions processed by the Secretary of State’s office, which handles hundreds of thousands of transactions annually. Officials say the vendor approval is the final operational step after a unanimous May proposal.

Why is Ohio pursuing a Strategic Crypto Reserve and what is its status?

Ohio’s Strategic Crypto Reserve idea, supported by House Bill 18, would allocate portions of state investment earnings to a crypto reserve. The move reflects broader momentum: 47 states have introduced Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) bills, with about 26 states carrying active proposals, per the Bitcoin Laws tracker. Ohio’s reserve remains under legislative consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pay a state fee with cryptocurrency in Ohio?

Use the Secretary of State’s payment portal that lists cryptocurrency as a payment option. Select the crypto payment method, follow vendor prompts to transfer funds, and save the transaction ID as your receipt. Confirm processing times and onchain fees before sending.

Will paying with crypto affect taxes for transactions under $200?

Ohio’s proposed Blockchain Basics Act would exempt crypto transactions under $200 from capital gains taxes, but taxpayers should consult official state guidance and the text of enacted legislation for current rules.

Which states are pursuing Strategic Bitcoin Reserves?

According to the Bitcoin Laws tracker, 47 states have introduced SBR bills and roughly 26 states have active proposals. Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire have advanced measures further than most states.

Key Takeaways

• Operational change: Vendor approval enables cryptocurrency acceptance for state fees in Ohio.
• Policy context: Legislative measures like the Blockchain Basics Act and House Bill 18 show broader state-level interest.
• Practical steps: Residents should use the designated payment portal, verify onchain confirmations, and retain receipts.

Conclusion

Ohio crypto payments mark a practical step toward integrating digital assets into public finance, combining operational rollout with ongoing policy work on a Strategic Crypto Reserve. COINOTAG will continue to track legislative and implementation updates as officials refine payment flows and reserve proposals.