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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Holmes County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Holmes 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
0.70% effective rate (varies by district with additional levies for schools, fire, library)
1st Due
Feb 28
2nd Due
Jul 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Holmes County, Ohio operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Holmes County are collected based on assessed valuations determined by the County Auditor, with the current effective tax rate for 2025 at approximately 0.70%. This rate represents one of the more moderate property tax burdens in Ohio, reflecting the county's rural character and lower service demands compared to urban areas.

It's important to note that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Holmes County due to special taxing districts. Properties may be subject to additional levies from school districts, township services, library districts, fire departments, and other local governmental entities. The combination of these various district levies determines your total effective tax rate, which can range from the base county rate to significantly higher depending on your specific location and the services provided in your area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy0.70%Core Holmes County services for FY 2025-2026
School District LeviesVariesLocal and intermediate school district funding
Township/MunicipalVariesLocal government services and infrastructure
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library system funding
Fire/EMS DistrictsVariesEmergency services and fire protection
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage, lighting, or improvement districts

Note: The 0.70% base rate applies countywide, but your total effective rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property. Most properties in Holmes County experience total effective rates between 1.2% and 2.1% when all district levies are combined. Contact the Holmes County Auditor's office to determine the specific rate for your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Feb 28
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jul 31
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 property taxes in Holmes County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the County Auditor calculates additional taxes owed for the remaining portion of the current tax year based on the increased assessed value.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in Holmes County in March 2025 valued at $400,000, and the previous assessed value was $50,000 (vacant land), you would owe supplemental taxes on the $350,000 increase for the remaining 9 months of that tax year. The supplemental bill would be calculated as: ($350,000 × applicable tax rate × 9/12 months). These supplemental taxes are billed separately from regular property tax installments and typically due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$875 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (0.70% + districts ≈ 1.5%): $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$875 (requires application)
  • Senior Citizen Credit: -$200 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Tax Owed: $8,925
  • Annual Tax (≈ 1.5% effective rate): $9,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $750

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$875 (requires application)
  • Net Tax Owed: $14,125
  • Annual Tax (≈ 1.5% effective rate): $15,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,250

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Holmes County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in escrow until tax payments are due. Holmes County property taxes are paid in two installments: the first half due by January 1st and the second half due by July 1st.

Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account equal to 2-3 months of tax payments to ensure sufficient funds are available when bills arrive. Each year, your lender will provide an escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify their tax amounts and payment status through the Holmes County Auditor's website or by contacting the Treasurer's office directly.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Holmes County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by January 1, 2026, and second half by July 1, 2026. Payments postmarked or received by these dates avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Yes, all tax credits require separate applications. The Homestead Credit provides up to $875 in tax reduction for eligible homeowners. Senior citizens and disabled veterans may qualify for additional credits. Applications must be filed with the County Auditor by the first Monday in June.

Q: How does the Ohio Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit is a tax credit (not an exemption) that caps assessment increases at 10% annually and provides up to $875 in tax bill reduction. You must apply with the Holmes County Auditor annually, and the credit is not automatically renewed.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Holmes County? A: Ohio law requires county-wide reappraisals every six years, with updates every three years. Holmes County follows this schedule, with the most recent reappraisal determining current assessed values.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After January 1st and July 1st due dates, penalties begin accruing immediately. Severely delinquent taxes may result in tax lien certificates being sold to investors.

Q: Can I pay my Holmes County property taxes online? A: Yes, the Holmes County Treasurer's office provides online payment options through their official website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are typically accepted with associated processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Holmes County? A: Special districts (school, fire, library, township) levy additional taxes beyond the base county rate. Your total tax bill combines all applicable district levies based on your property's location. The same property in different townships will have different total tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Holmes County Board of Revision within 30 days of receiving your tax bill or assessment notice. You'll need evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value exceeds fair market value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
PR6CY25dam.assets.ohio.gov
02
County
Total State and Local Sales Tax Rates, by County, Effective ...dam.assets.ohio.gov
03
County
HOLMES COUNTY, OHIOohioauditor.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax – Real Propertydam.assets.ohio.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Resource Hub - Ohio Department of Taxationtax.ohio.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax – Public Utility Propertytax.ohio.gov
07
Tax Doc
Auditor - Homestead Exemption and Property Tax Rollbackco.holmes.oh.us
08
Homestead Exemption Application for Senior Citizens, ...tax.ohio.gov
09
County
HOLMES COUNTYohioauditor.gov
10
County
HOLMES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICEco.holmes.oh.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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