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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fayette County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.798% base county rate, total effective rates vary significantly by school district and local levies
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fayette County, Ohio operates under Ohio's property tax system, where property taxes serve as a primary funding source for local services including schools, county operations, townships, and special districts. The county assesses real property at 35% of fair market value, which becomes the assessed value used for tax calculations. Property owners in Fayette County can expect effective tax rates that vary significantly based on their specific location within the county due to different combinations of school districts, townships, municipalities, and special taxing districts.

Based on recent data, Fayette County's base county rate is 0.79800% (7.98 mills), but total effective rates including all local levies typically range much higher when school districts and other local assessments are included. Property tax bills in Fayette County reflect the combined rates of all applicable taxing authorities for each specific property location. For example, properties in Harrison Township face an additional 0.48 mills (0.04810%) on top of the county rate, while properties in other townships or municipalities will have different rate combinations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Rate (%)Description
Fayette County7.980.79800%Base county operations, services
Harrison Township*0.480.04810%Township services (example district)
School DistrictVariesVariesLocal school district levy (varies by district)
MunicipalVariesVariesCity/village services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesVariesFire, library, parks (location dependent)

*Tax rates shown are for Tax Year 2024 (Pay 2025). Actual rates vary significantly by location within Fayette County based on school district boundaries, township, municipality, and special taxing districts. Total effective rates typically range from 2-4% of assessed value depending on location and applicable levies. Property owners should verify their specific rate combination with the Fayette County Auditor's office.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fayette 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 Fayette County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, ownership changes that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments. When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 addition to their home in July, and the addition increases the assessed value by $35,000 (35% of market value), they would owe supplemental taxes on that $35,000 for the remaining six months of the tax year. Using a hypothetical 3% total tax rate, the supplemental tax would be approximately $525 ($35,000 × 0.03 × 0.5 year). Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own payment deadlines, typically 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Owner-Occupied Credit: $2,500 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $102,500
  • Annual Tax (3% rate): $3,075
  • Monthly Escrow: $256

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Owner-Occupied Credit: $2,500 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $207,500
  • Annual Tax (3% rate): $6,225
  • Monthly Escrow: $519

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Owner-Occupied Credit: $2,500 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $347,500
  • Annual Tax (3% rate): $10,425
  • Monthly Escrow: $869

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Fayette County. Examples use estimated 3% combined rate for illustration purposes.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fayette County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender estimates annual property taxes and divides that amount by 12 to determine monthly escrow payments. These funds are held in a separate account and the lender pays property taxes directly to Fayette County when bills are due. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in escrow accounts to account for tax increases and assessment changes.

Property owners with escrow accounts should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender, usually around the loan anniversary date, which shows the account activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. Since Ohio property taxes are due December 31st annually, lenders generally make payments in late November or December to ensure timely payment. Property owners can verify that their taxes have been paid by checking with the Fayette County Treasurer's office or accessing online payment records through the county's website.

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 Fayette County? A: Property taxes for Tax Year 2024 are due by December 31, 2025. Ohio allows counties to offer semi-annual payment options, so check with the Fayette County Treasurer for current payment schedule options.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common credits include the Owner-Occupied Credit and Homestead Exemption. These require annual application through the Fayette County Auditor's office and are NOT automatically applied. Application deadlines are typically in early spring - contact the auditor's office for specific dates and forms.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption is available for qualifying homeowners and provides a credit that reduces your tax bill. It does NOT reduce your property's assessed value, but rather caps assessment increases. You must apply annually and meet income and residency requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Fayette County? A: Ohio requires counties to conduct property revaluations every six years, with updates every three years. Fayette County follows this state schedule, though individual properties may be reassessed more frequently due to sales, improvements, or appeals.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments in Ohio typically incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Fayette County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Fayette County Treasurer's website for online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Ohio counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Why did my taxes increase when my neighbor's didn't? A: Tax increases can result from reassessments, new levies passed by voters, or changes in tax credits. Properties are assessed individually, so improvements, sales, or other factors may affect your property differently than neighboring properties.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals in Ohio must be filed with the county Board of Revision within specific deadlines following assessment notices. Contact the Fayette County Auditor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

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