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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Darke County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 1.05% effective rate, varies by school district and local taxing authorities
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Darke County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, school districts, and various special taxing districts throughout the county. Property taxes in Darke County fund essential services including public education, county operations, emergency services, libraries, and infrastructure maintenance. The county follows Ohio's standard property tax structure where properties are assessed at 35% of their market value for tax calculation purposes.

The effective property tax rate in Darke County is approximately 1.05% for the 2025 levy year, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, townships, and special taxing districts. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which taxing districts serve their property location, meaning neighboring properties in different districts may have substantially different tax obligations even with similar assessed values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General0.15-0.25%Basic county operations and services
School Districts0.60-0.80%Local school district operations and facilities
Municipal/Township0.05-0.15%City, village, or township services
Library0.02-0.05%Public library system funding
Special Districts0.00-0.10%Fire districts, park districts, other special services
Total Effective Rate~1.05%Combined rate for levy year 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and represent typical ranges. Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location within Darke County and which combination of taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Darke County Auditor's office for your exact millage rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Darke County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations or additions, or when the county assessor discovers previously unassessed improvements to a property. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, and your property is assessed at 35% of market value with a 1.05% tax rate, you would receive a supplemental bill for approximately $91.88 (($50,000 × 0.35 × 0.0105) × 0.5 years remaining). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the assessment change and follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $80,000
  • Annual Tax (1.05%): $840
  • Monthly Escrow: $70

$600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $185,000
  • Annual Tax (1.05%): $1,943
  • Monthly Escrow: $162

$1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Senior/Disability Credit (if applicable): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $325,000
  • Annual Tax (1.05%): $3,413
  • Monthly Escrow: $284

Note: Tax credits shown require application and eligibility verification. Homestead credit limits assessment increases rather than providing a flat reduction. Actual rates may vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Darke County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Your lender will collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pay your taxes directly to the county when due. Darke County property taxes are paid in three installments: first installment due April 15, second installment due July 15, and third installment due October 15.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are being collected, which may result in escrow payment adjustments if your property taxes increase or decrease. You should receive a copy of your tax bill from the Darke County Treasurer's office even when paying through escrow, allowing you to verify the amounts being paid on your behalf. If you pay off your mortgage or switch to a loan without escrow requirements, you become responsible for making direct payments to the county treasurer by the established due dates.

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 Darke County property taxes due for the 2025-2026 fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in three installments: April 15, 2026 (first half), July 15, 2026 (second installment), and October 15, 2026 (final installment).

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Credit for seniors (65+), disabled persons, and surviving spouses of public service officers. This credit requires annual application using form DTE 105A and must be filed with the Darke County Auditor by the first Monday in June.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but instead caps assessment increases to protect eligible homeowners from dramatic tax increases. It requires application and income verification annually.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Darke County? A: Ohio requires counties to conduct property reappraisals every six years and updates every three years. Darke County follows this schedule with the most recent countywide reappraisal completed in 2021.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a complaint with the Darke County Board of Revision by March 31st following the tax lien date. You'll need evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value exceeds 35% of true market value.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After the final due date, unpaid taxes become delinquent and may result in foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Darke County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Credit card and electronic check payments are typically accepted with associated processing fees.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary across the county? A: Different areas of Darke County are served by various combinations of school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other special taxing units, each with their own voter-approved tax levies, creating location-specific total tax rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Darke County Property Record Search Free Ohio 2026ohiopropertysearch.us
02
County
DARKE COUNTY, OHIOohioauditor.gov
03
County
VILLAGE OF ARCANUM DARKE COUNTY REGULAR ...auditor.state.oh.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax – Real Propertydam.assets.ohio.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Resource Hub - Ohio Department of Taxationtax.ohio.gov
06
Tax Doc
Real Property Tax - Homestead Means Testingtax.ohio.gov
07
Homestead Exemption Application for Senior Citizens, ...tax.ohio.gov
08
County
DARKE COUNTYohioauditor.gov
09
County
DARKE COUNTYohioauditor.gov
10
VERSAILLES EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT ...ohioauditor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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