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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.48% - 1.72% (varies by location)
1st Due
Feb 14
2nd Due
Jul 20
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, and special districts. Property owners in Franklin County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies by location within the county. The effective tax rate in Franklin County typically ranges from approximately 1.48% to 1.72% depending on the specific municipality and school district, with Columbus showing rates around 1.48% and areas like Whitehall reaching 1.72%.

The Franklin County Auditor's Office is responsible for property assessments and tax calculations, while the Franklin County Treasurer's Office handles tax collection and payment processing. Property taxes fund essential services including public schools, municipal services, county operations, and various special districts. Tax bills are typically issued annually, with the 2025 tax bills scheduled to be sent out during the week of January 26, 2026, according to the Treasurer's Office.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General~0.25-0.35%Funds county operations, courts, sheriff, and general services
School District~0.65-0.85%Funds local school districts, varies by district
Municipal~0.15-0.25%City/village services, police, fire, infrastructure
Township/City Services~0.10-0.15%Local government services and maintenance
Special Assessments~0.05-0.20%Libraries, parks, transit, special districts
Voted LeviesVariesAdditional voter-approved taxes for specific purposes
Total Effective Rate~1.48-1.72%Combined rate varies by location within Franklin County

Note: Rates are approximate and vary by specific location within Franklin County. Contact the Franklin County Auditor for precise rates in your area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Feb 14
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jul 20
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 Franklin County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's value or ownership outside of the regular annual assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction, major property improvements, changes in property use, or corrections to the assessed value. When improvements are completed, the county assessor determines the increased value and applies the current tax rate to calculate the supplemental tax owed.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then multiplying by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition in July, and the local tax rate is 1.6%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $400 ($50,000 x 1.6% x 6/12 months remaining). Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill that is due within the timeframe specified by the Franklin County Treasurer's Office.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (example assumes no homestead exemption)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.60% (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $4,800
  • Monthly Payment: $400

$600,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (example assumes no homestead exemption)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.60% (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $9,600
  • Monthly Payment: $800

$1,000,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 (100% of market value)
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (example assumes no homestead exemption)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.60% (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $16,000
  • Monthly Payment: $1,333

Note: These examples use estimated tax rates. Actual rates vary by location within Franklin County. Senior citizens (65+) may qualify for homestead exemptions that reduce taxable value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly property tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. When property taxes become due, the lender pays the Franklin County Treasurer directly from your escrow account. Lenders typically collect an additional 1-2 months of taxes as a cushion to ensure sufficient funds are available.

Property tax payments in Franklin County are generally due annually, with specific due dates established by the Franklin County Treasurer's Office. Homeowners should verify their escrow payments are sufficient by reviewing their annual escrow analysis statement and checking their property tax amount on the Franklin County Treasurer's website at https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/treasurer/. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, you can make payments online, by mail, or in person. Contact the Treasurer's Office at (614) 525-3438 for questions about payment options or account information.

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 Franklin County? A: Tax bills are typically issued annually, with 2025 tax bills scheduled for the week of January 26, 2026. Due dates are specified on your tax bill and available on the Franklin County Treasurer's website.

Q: How do I pay my property taxes? A: Taxes can be paid online through the Franklin County Treasurer's website at https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/treasurer/, by mail, or in person. Contact (614) 525-3438 for payment options.

Q: What exemptions are available in Franklin County? A: Homestead exemptions are available for senior citizens (age 65 and older). Check with the Franklin County Auditor at https://www.franklincountyauditor.com/ for available exemptions and application requirements.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Appeals are filed with the Franklin County Board of Revision. Check the Auditor's website for filing deadlines and procedures. Note that weather-related delays may affect in-person filing events.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Franklin County? A: Ohio law requires property reappraisals every six years and updates every three years, though the county may conduct assessments more frequently when property values change significantly.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Franklin County Treasurer's Office immediately if you cannot make payment by the due date to discuss options.

Q: Where can I look up my property information? A: Use the property lookup tool at https://property.franklincountyauditor.com/. Note that system upgrades may temporarily affect search results.

Q: Who do I contact for questions about my property value? A: Contact the Franklin County Auditor's Office at (614) 525-4663 for assessment questions, or visit https://www.franklincountyauditor.com/.

Q: Can I get a payment plan for my property taxes? A: Payment plan options may be available through the Franklin County Treasurer's Office. Call (614) 525-3438 to discuss your situation and available options.

Q: How are property tax rates determined? A: Tax rates are set by various taxing authorities including the county, school districts, and municipalities. Rates are certified after elections and may change annually based on budget needs and voter-approved levies.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Franklin County Assessorfranklincountyauditor.com
02
County
Tax Estimator - Franklin County Treasurertreasurer.franklincountyohio.gov
03
County
Real Estate Taxes - Franklin County Treasurertreasurer.franklincountyohio.gov
04
County
Franklin County Treasurer - Tax Ratestreasurer.franklincountyohio.gov
05
County
FRANKLIN COUNTY SINGLE AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ...auditor.state.oh.us
06
State
real-estate-glossary.pdfaudr-apps.franklincountyohio.gov
07
Topic Indexohiosos.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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