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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fairfield County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Fairfield 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
1.5%-2.5% of market value (varies by district combination)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fairfield County, Ohio operates under Ohio's property tax system, where taxes are assessed based on 35% of the property's appraised market value. Property taxes in Fairfield County fund essential services including public schools, county operations, townships, municipalities, libraries, and various special districts. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of market value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Your actual tax rate depends on the combination of taxing districts where your property is located. These may include county-wide levies, school district taxes, municipal taxes, township levies, library districts, fire districts, and other special assessments. Two properties with identical values can have substantially different tax bills based on their location within different taxing districts throughout Fairfield County.

The county assessor reappraises all properties every six years, with interim updates for new construction, improvements, or ownership changes. Property owners receive annual tax statements and have the right to appeal their assessments through the county's Board of Revision if they believe their property is overvalued.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 property tax rates for Fairfield County are still being finalized. Based on the most recent available data, typical rate components include:

ComponentApproximate Rate per $1,000Description
County General$3.00-5.00County operations, courts, sheriff
School District$15.00-25.00Local school operations and bonds
Township/Municipality$2.00-8.00Local government services
Library District$1.00-2.50Public library systems
Fire/EMS District$1.00-4.00Fire protection and emergency services
Special Assessments$0.50-3.00Parks, water, sewer, other districts

Total Effective Rate: $22.50-47.50 per $1,000 of assessed value

These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and vary significantly by location within Fairfield County. Contact the Fairfield County Auditor's office or check their official website for your specific district's finalized 2025 rates, as some levies may still be pending voter approval or final certification.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fairfield 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 Fairfield County are triggered by specific events that change a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction, property improvements, changes in property use, or ownership transfers that prompt reassessment. When improvements are completed or new structures are built, the county assessor determines the additional assessed value and calculates supplemental taxes for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increase in assessed value, then prorating for the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, and your total tax rate is $35 per $1,000 of assessed value, the additional assessed value would be $35,000 (35% of market value). The supplemental tax would be approximately $1,225 ($35,000 × 0.035) prorated for six months, resulting in about $613 in additional taxes for that year.

Property owners receive supplemental tax bills separately from their regular property tax statements. These bills typically arrive 30-60 days after the assessment change is processed and must be paid according to the specified due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Example Calculation

The following examples assume a typical combined tax rate of $30 per $1,000 of assessed value and include common tax credits where applicable. Important: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatic.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$8,750 (on first $25,000)
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,250
  • Annual Tax ($30/$1,000): $2,888
  • Monthly Escrow: $241

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$8,750 (on first $25,000)
  • Net Taxable Value: $201,250
  • Annual Tax ($30/$1,000): $6,038
  • Monthly Escrow: $503

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$8,750 (on first $25,000)
  • Net Taxable Value: $341,250
  • Annual Tax ($30/$1,000): $10,238
  • Monthly Escrow: $853

Note: Homestead exemption provides $25,000 reduction in taxable value, requiring annual application. Senior citizens and disabled persons may qualify for additional credits with separate applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fairfield County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments and remitting taxes directly to the county treasurer. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional buffer amount to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes are due. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments are calculated and applied.

Property taxes in Fairfield County are paid in two installments annually. The first half payment is due by February 19, 2026, covering the first six months of the tax year. The second half payment is typically due in late July or August. Lenders usually pay each installment shortly before the due date to avoid any late penalties. If you have questions about your escrow account, contact your loan servicer directly.

You can verify that your lender has made tax payments by checking with the Fairfield County Treasurer's office online or by phone. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for meeting all deadlines and can face penalties and interest charges for late payments. The county offers online payment options and accepts payments by mail, in person, or through authorized payment services.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Fairfield County? A: For the current tax year, first half taxes are due February 19, 2026, and second half taxes are typically due in late July or August 2026. Check the Fairfield County Treasurer's website for exact second-half due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homestead Credit provides a $25,000 reduction in taxable value and REQUIRES annual application. Senior citizens (65+) and disabled persons may qualify for additional credits. All credits require separate applications - none are automatic. Contact the Fairfield County Auditor's office for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit reduces your home's taxable value by $25,000 (not the tax bill directly). It also caps assessment increases at 10% annually. You must apply annually, and the application deadline is typically December 31st of the tax year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Fairfield County conducts comprehensive reappraisals every six years, with the most recent completed in 2021. The next county-wide reappraisal is scheduled for 2027. Individual properties may be reassessed when sold, improved, or upon owner request.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a complaint with the Fairfield County Board of Revision within 30 days of receiving your tax bill or assessment notice. You must provide evidence that your property is overvalued, such as recent sales data or professional appraisals.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Ohio law imposes penalties and interest on delinquent property taxes. Penalties start at 10% for the first month late, with additional interest charges accruing monthly. Severely delinquent taxes can result in foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Fairfield County offers online payment options through the Treasurer's website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: Why do my taxes vary from my neighbor's with a similar home value? A: Tax amounts depend on your specific combination of taxing districts, which can vary even within the same neighborhood. Different school districts, fire districts, or municipal boundaries can create significantly different tax rates for similar properties.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Tax Rates - Tax Year 2025 - Fairfield Countyco.fairfield.oh.us
02
County
1 Fairfield County Budget Commission Meeting Dateco.fairfield.oh.us
03
County
2025 Previous News / Videos - Fairfield County Auditor's ...co.fairfield.oh.us
04
County
treasurer's office: tax due dates - Fairfield Countyco.fairfield.oh.us
05
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQfairfieldoh.gov
06
County
Fairfield County Treasurer's Office, Lancaster, Ohioco.fairfield.oh.us
07
County
auditor homestead exemption - Fairfield Countyco.fairfield.oh.us
08
County
Fairfield County Auditor Ohio's Homestead Exemption Programco.fairfield.oh.us
09
County
SAVA Program Application Updated 2025 - Fairfield Countyco.fairfield.oh.us
10
2002FIN00307-R001000-CHRcga.ct.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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