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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hardin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.85% effective rate (varies by district and municipality)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hardin County, Ohio operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, emergency services, county operations, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Hardin County face an effective property tax rate of approximately 0.85% for residential properties as of 2025, though this rate can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to various special taxing districts, school districts, and municipal boundaries.

The county follows Ohio's standard property tax structure where properties are assessed at 35% of their market value, with taxes calculated based on this assessed value. It's important to understand that your actual tax rate may differ from the county average depending on which combination of taxing districts your property falls within, including your school district, municipality, township, and any special assessment districts for services like fire protection, libraries, or infrastructure improvements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General0.15-0.25%Basic county operations and services
School District0.40-0.55%Local school district operations and facilities
Municipal/Township0.05-0.15%City or township services and infrastructure
Special Districts0.10-0.20%Fire, EMS, library, parks, and other special services
Total Effective Rate~0.85%Average for residential properties (FY 2025)

Note: These rates apply to the assessed value (35% of market value) for Levy Year 2025. Actual rates vary by specific location within Hardin County based on your combination of taxing districts. Contact the Hardin County Auditor's Office for your property's exact tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hardin 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 Hardin County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, property improvements, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previously assessed values. These supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by your property's applicable tax rate.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition mid-year, the county assessor will evaluate the improvement and add its assessed value (35% of $50,000 = $17,500) to your property's tax roll. With Hardin County's average tax rate of 0.85%, this would generate approximately $149 in supplemental taxes ($17,500 × 0.0085), prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the assessment change and have their own payment deadlines separate from regular property tax installments.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $105,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $102,500
  • Annual Tax (0.85%): $871
  • Monthly Escrow: $73

$600,000 Property:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $210,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $207,500
  • Annual Tax (0.85%): $1,764
  • Monthly Escrow: $147

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (35%): $350,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $347,500
  • Annual Tax (0.85%): $2,954
  • Monthly Escrow: $246

Note: Homestead Credit requires annual application and caps assessment increases rather than providing a flat reduction. Credit amounts vary based on individual circumstances and must be applied for through the Hardin County Auditor's Office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hardin County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds throughout the year and pays your property taxes directly to Hardin County on your behalf. The lender will analyze your escrow account annually and adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and projected changes.

Property taxes in Hardin County are due in two installments: the first half by January 31st and the second half by November 1st, with a final deadline of December 31st for the second installment. Your mortgage servicer will typically pay the first installment in January and the second in November. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments made on your behalf, and any adjustments to your monthly escrow payment. If you pay your own taxes, you can verify payments and view your tax information through the Hardin County Treasurer's online portal.

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 Hardin County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - first half by January 31st and second half by November 1st, with a final deadline of December 31st for the second payment.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Homestead Credit for owner-occupied residences, which caps annual assessment increases. This credit requires annual application through the Hardin County Auditor's Office. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled persons, or veterans - all require separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value but instead limits how much your assessed value can increase each year (typically to 10% annually). You must apply annually, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Hardin County? A: Ohio law requires counties to conduct property reappraisals every six years with updates every three years. Contact the Hardin County Auditor's Office for the current assessment schedule and appeal procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After January 31st, first-half payments incur penalties, and after December 31st, second-half payments become delinquent with additional fees and potential tax lien procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Hardin County typically offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Contact the Hardin County Treasurer's Office at the courthouse for current online payment procedures and accepted methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Hardin County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which taxing districts serve your property, including school district, municipality or township, fire district, library district, and other special assessments. Properties in different areas have different combinations of these services.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Hardin County Board of Revision. The appeal period typically begins January 3rd each year. Contact the Board of Revision at the Hardin County Courthouse for specific forms and deadlines.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Hardin County Auditor's Office for assessment and credit questions, or the Hardin County Treasurer's Office for payment and collection questions. Both offices are located at the Hardin County Courthouse, One Courthouse Square, Kenton, OH.

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