Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Knox County

Property taxes in Knox County are calculated based on the assessed value of your real estate and the local tax rates, known as millage. By law, the Knox County Auditor is required to reappraise all real property every six years, with an update occurring in the third year of that cycle. The assessed value is legally set at 35% of the property's appraised market value.

To determine your tax liability, the Auditor multiplies the assessed value by the local effective tax rate. These rates are comprised of various levies approved by voters to fund local schools, townships, villages, and county services. Because these levies change based on voter approval, your total millage rate may fluctuate annually.

Available Exemptions

Ohio offers several programs to provide tax relief for eligible homeowners. These exemptions can significantly reduce your annual tax burden:

• Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners who are at least 65 years old, or permanently and totally disabled, provided they meet specific annual income requirements. This program shields a portion of the market value of your primary residence from taxation.
• Senior Citizen/Disability Exemption: Often bundled with the Homestead Exemption, this provides a reduction in the taxable value of the home for those who qualify based on age or disability status.
• Disabled Veteran Exemption: Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 100% from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may qualify for an enhanced Homestead Exemption, which offers a higher reduction in taxable value than the standard program.
• Owner-Occupancy Credit: A reduction provided to homeowners who live in their property as their primary residence.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Knox 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. The Knox County Treasurer’s office issues tax bills well in advance of these deadlines to allow for processing.

If you miss a payment deadline, a 10% penalty is applied to the unpaid balance. Continued delinquency may result in additional interest charges and could eventually lead to the initiation of a tax lien or foreclosure proceedings. We encourage property owners to utilize escrow accounts or the county’s pre-payment plans to ensure timely settlement of obligations.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the appraised value of your property is higher than its actual market value, you have the right to file a complaint with the Knox County Board of Revision (BOR). The filing period is generally open from January 1 through March 31 of each year.

During the appeal process, you must provide supporting documentation, such as recent appraisals, sales data of comparable homes, or photos of property conditions that may negatively impact value. The BOR will review your evidence and determine if a valuation adjustment is warranted. It is recommended to contact the Auditor’s office for guidance on the specific forms and documentation required before submitting your formal complaint.