Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Scioto County

Property taxes in Scioto County are calculated based on the assessed value of your real estate and the local millage rates. The Scioto County Auditor is responsible for determining the market value of your property, which occurs through a reappraisal process every six years, with a triennial update in between. By Ohio law, property is taxed at 35% of its appraised market value, known as the assessed value.

The total tax bill is determined by the "effective tax rate," which is a combination of local levies approved by voters for schools, townships, villages, and county services. Because Ohio’s Tax Reduction Factor (House Bill 920) prevents inflationary increases in tax revenue, your effective millage rate may decrease as property values rise, ensuring that taxing districts do not receive an automatic windfall from reappraisals.

Available Exemptions

Ohio offers several property tax relief programs to help eligible homeowners reduce their annual tax burden. These programs are managed through the County Auditor’s office:

• Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners who are at least 65 years of age, or permanently and totally disabled, provided they meet specific income requirements. This program shields a portion of the market value of your primary residence from taxation.
• Senior Citizen and Disability Exemptions: Often bundled with the Homestead program, these provide significant relief for those on fixed incomes.
• Veteran Exemptions: Ohio provides a specific Homestead Exemption for disabled veterans who have been rated 100% service-connected disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This program is not subject to the standard income thresholds applied to the general Homestead Exemption.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

In Scioto County, real estate taxes 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. You will receive a tax bill by mail, though you may also view your balance and payment history through the Scioto County Treasurer’s online portal.

If you fail to pay by the deadline, a 10% penalty will be applied to the unpaid balance. Continued delinquency may result in further interest charges and, eventually, the initiation of tax foreclosure proceedings. If you are struggling to make payments, contact the Scioto County Treasurer’s office immediately to discuss a potential payment plan.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the Auditor’s appraised value of your property exceeds its fair market value, you have the right to file an appeal. The primary venue for this is the Scioto County Board of Revision (BOR).

To appeal, you must file a formal complaint (Form DTE 1) with the Auditor’s office. This filing window typically opens in January and closes on March 31st of the current tax year. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as recent appraisals, sale prices of comparable properties in your neighborhood, or documentation regarding structural issues that diminish the property’s value. The BOR will review your evidence and issue a decision, which may result in an adjustment to your assessed value.