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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cuyahoga County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cuyahoga County, OH. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
9.9 mills base levy (effective 2026) plus local district rates
1st Due
Feb 1
2nd Due
Jul 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cuyahoga County's property tax system operates under Ohio's state framework, serving as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, libraries, municipal services, and county operations. Property owners in Cuyahoga County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is determined by the County Fiscal Officer (Assessor) and reassessed every three years or upon qualifying events like ownership changes or new construction.

The effective property tax rate in Cuyahoga County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts. Based on current data, property owners can expect an effective rate that includes the county's base levy of 9.9 mills (to be collected in 2026) plus additional assessments from schools, libraries, and local municipalities. Ohio assesses property at 35% of fair market value, and with various local levies combined, total effective rates typically range from 1.5% to 3% of a property's market value depending on the specific taxing district.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
County Base Levy9.9 millsCore county services and operations (2025 rate, collected 2026)
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding, typically 20-40 mills
Library System$5.60 per $1,000Cuyahoga County Public Library operations (2024 rate)
Municipal ServicesVaries by cityCity/township services, fire, police, infrastructure
Special AssessmentsVariesVoter-approved bonds, improvement districts
State LeviesMinimalVarious state-mandated assessments

Note: 1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Total effective rates vary significantly by location within Cuyahoga County based on the combination of applicable levies.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cuyahoga County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Feb 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Cuyahoga County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the County Fiscal Officer must file Form 945-S (County Supplemental Return) to account for the change in taxable value within the taxing district.

The supplemental tax is calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change. For example, if a property undergoes $100,000 in improvements completed in July, and the assessed value increases by $35,000 (35% of market value), the owner would owe supplemental taxes on that $35,000 increase for the remaining months of the tax year at the full local tax rate.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $80,000
  • Annual Tax (at 25 mills): $2,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $167

$600,000 Property:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $185,000
  • Annual Tax (at 25 mills): $4,625
  • Monthly Escrow: $385

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $325,000
  • Annual Tax (at 25 mills): $8,125
  • Monthly Escrow: $677

Examples use estimated combined rate of 25 mills; actual rates vary by location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cuyahoga County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly mortgage payments include an estimated amount for property taxes. Lenders collect these funds year-round and pay the taxes directly to the County Treasurer when due. The escrow amount is recalculated annually based on the actual tax bill, and any shortage or surplus is adjusted in the following year's monthly payment.

Property taxes in Cuyahoga County are due by February 19th for the first half and July 18th for the second half of each year. Lenders typically pay these amounts on behalf of borrowers a few days before the due date. Property owners should verify their escrow payments by checking their annual tax statements and ensuring their lender has made timely payments. For escrow account questions or to verify payments, visit the County Treasurer's website at https://treasurer.cuyahogacounty.us/ where you can look up your property and confirm payment status.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Cuyahoga County? A: Property taxes are due February 19th and July 18th each year. The February due date covers the first half of the tax year, while July covers the second half.

Q: How do I apply for a homestead exemption? A: Senior citizens, permanently disabled individuals, and surviving spouses of public service officers killed in the line of duty may qualify for homestead exemption. Contact the County Fiscal Officer at https://fiscalofficer.cuyahogacounty.us/ for application details and eligibility requirements.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: Cuyahoga County conducts countywide reappraisals every three years. However, your property may be reassessed sooner if there's a change in ownership, new construction, or significant improvements.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal their assessment if they believe it's inaccurate. Appeals must be filed with the County Board of Revision, typically within 30 days of receiving your tax notification.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be placed on the County's annual Delinquent Tax List and subject to foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Cuyahoga County accepts online payments through the County Treasurer's website. You can also pay in person or mail payments postmarked by the due date.

Q: What services do my property taxes fund? A: Property taxes fund schools, libraries, county operations, municipal services, fire and police protection, road maintenance, and various voter-approved special projects and bonds.

Q: How do I look up my property tax information? A: Use the County's property lookup tool at https://myplace.cuyahogacounty.us/ to access your property details, assessment information, and tax history.

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental tax assessment? A: Supplemental assessments can be appealed through the same process as regular assessments. Contact the County Fiscal Officer's office for specific procedures and deadlines.

Q: Are there any other property tax exemptions available? A: Besides homestead exemption, there may be other exemptions for veterans, agricultural use, or charitable organizations. Check with the County Fiscal Officer at https://fiscalofficer.cuyahogacounty.us/ for a complete list of available exemptions and eligibility requirements.

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