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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hancock County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.86% effective rate (varies by district based on school, municipal, and special districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hancock County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with the effective tax rate for 2025 set at 0.86% of assessed value. However, this rate represents an average across the county, and actual rates vary significantly by location within Hancock County due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts.

Property in Hancock County is assessed at 35% of market value, which is Ohio's standard assessment ratio for residential property. The County Auditor determines assessed values through periodic reappraisals and updates, with property owners receiving annual tax bills based on these assessments. Your specific tax rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property location, including your school district, municipality (if applicable), and any special districts such as library districts or fire levies.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operating and bond levies
Municipal/TownshipVariesCity or township services (if applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services
Fire/EMS LeviesVariesEmergency services
Other Special DistrictsVariesParks, mental health, developmental disabilities

Total Effective Rate for 2025: 0.86% (average across county)

Note: These rates apply to Tax Year 2025 (payable in 2025). Your actual rate depends on your specific location within Hancock County and which combination of taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Hancock County Auditor at 419-424-7005 for your property's specific tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hancock 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 Hancock County are triggered when property ownership changes or when new construction is completed and added to the tax rolls mid-year. When you purchase property or complete new construction, the County Auditor may issue a supplemental tax bill to account for any difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $150,000 but now has a market value of $200,000, you may receive a supplemental bill covering the tax difference for the remaining 10 months of the tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the additional tax owed based on the assessment change and prorating it for the months remaining in the tax year. These supplemental bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$8,750 reduction in taxable value
  • Net Taxable Value: $96,250
  • Annual Tax (0.86%): $828
  • Monthly Escrow: $69

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$8,750 reduction in taxable value
  • Net Taxable Value: $201,250
  • Annual Tax (0.86%): $1,731
  • Monthly Escrow: $144

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$8,750 reduction in taxable value
  • Net Taxable Value: $341,250
  • Annual Tax (0.86%): $2,935
  • Monthly Escrow: $245

Note: Homestead credit reduces taxable assessed value and requires annual application. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances, but all require separate applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hancock County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes and insurance. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property tax bills directly to the Hancock County Treasurer when they become due in February and July. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount as permitted by federal regulations.

The Hancock County Treasurer's office mails tax bills directly to your lender if you have an escrow account. You should still review these bills for accuracy and notify your lender of any discrepancies. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing payments made and any adjustments needed to your monthly escrow amount. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly, typically with 60 days' notice from your lender.

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 Hancock County? A: Property taxes are due twice per year - in February and July. Contact the Hancock County Treasurer at 419-424-7213 for specific due dates for Tax Year 2025.

Q: What is the Homestead Credit and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Credit provides a $25,000 reduction in market value (approximately $8,750 reduction in taxable assessed value), and it caps annual assessment increases. You must apply annually with the Hancock County Auditor's office. This is a tax credit that reduces your taxable value, not an automatic exemption.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, Hancock County offers various tax credits including senior citizen credits, disabled veteran credits, and disability credits. All require separate applications with specific documentation and have application deadlines. Contact the County Auditor at 419-424-7005 for eligibility requirements and applications.

Q: How often is property reassessed? A: Ohio law requires property to be reappraised every six years with an update in the third year. The Hancock County Auditor conducts these assessments and notifies property owners of value changes.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can file an appeal with the Hancock County Board of Revision if you believe your assessment is incorrect. Appeals must be filed by March 31st following the tax lien date. Contact the County Auditor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After the due date, penalties begin accruing, and properties may eventually face foreclosure proceedings if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Hancock County Treasurer's office at 419-424-7213 or visit their office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax rate change from last year? A: Tax rates can change due to new or renewed levies approved by voters, changes in special district boundaries, or adjustments by taxing authorities. Your specific rate depends on all taxing districts that serve your property location within Hancock County.

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