Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Hocking County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Hocking County

In Hocking County, property taxes are determined by the assessed value of your real estate and the local tax millage rates. The Hocking County Auditor is responsible for valuing all property at 35% of its fair market value, a figure known as the "assessed value." This valuation is updated through a triennial update and a sexennial reappraisal to ensure equity across the county.

The tax rate, expressed in "mills," represents $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. These rates are a combination of state-mandated minimums and local levies approved by voters to fund essential services such as schools, fire departments, emergency medical services, and county infrastructure. Because these levies vary by school district and township, your effective tax rate is specific to your property's precise geographic location within the county.

Available Exemptions

Ohio law provides several relief programs to help eligible homeowners reduce their property tax burden. These exemptions are managed through the Auditor’s office and require an application process:

• Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners who are at least 65 years old, or are permanently and totally disabled, provided they meet specific annual income requirements. This program shields a portion of the market value from taxation.
• Senior Citizen/Disabled Persons Exemption: Often bundled with the Homestead program, this offers significant tax relief for those meeting age or disability criteria.
• Veteran Exemptions: Qualifying disabled veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible for an enhanced Homestead exemption, which provides a higher reduction in taxable value regardless of income.
• Owner-Occupancy Credit: A tax reduction for homeowners who reside in their property as their primary place of residence.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Hocking County are billed in two semi-annual installments. The first half is typically due in mid-February, and the second half is due in mid-July. Taxpayers receive a bill via mail, though the responsibility to pay remains with the property owner even if a bill is not received.

If payment is not received by the statutory deadline, a 10% penalty is applied to the unpaid balance. Continued delinquency may result in further interest charges or, in extreme cases, tax liens and property foreclosure. To avoid these issues, the Treasurer’s office offers various payment methods, including online portals, mail-in payments, and escrow arrangements for those who prefer to make monthly installments.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the Auditor's valuation of your property is inaccurate, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the Hocking County Board of Revision (BOR). The complaint period typically opens in January and closes on March 31st each year. When filing, you must provide evidence to support your claim, such as recent appraisals, sale prices of comparable properties, or documentation of structural damage that may decrease value. The Board of Revision will review your evidence and may schedule a hearing to determine if an adjustment to your property’s assessed value is warranted.